Last week, we welcomed James Balston (R85) back to Downside, bringing his interior and architectural photography skills to capture our newly opened Sixth Form Centre. Since establishing his career in 2000, James has worked internationally, photographing a diverse range of spaces from historic buildings and private residences to restaurants, hotels, and retail spaces. His work frequently appears in The Observer, The Times and Telegraph magazines, World of Interiors, House & Garden, and several highly regarded interior books.
Returning to Downside was a memorable experience for James, as he explained, “Great to be back at Downside after nearly 40 years. Despite many changes, everything is just as I remember it. And great to be here in a professional capacity, shooting the wonderful new Sixth Form Centre, designed by Huckleberry. The joiner is beautifully detailed, complementing the mid-century surroundings.”
James first reconnected with Downside at the Creative Collection networking event in May, where he shared insights into his career. This recent visit provided an opportunity to stroll down memory lane after many years.
Over the coming months, we’ll be sharing some of James’s photographs, showcasing the new space. We are very grateful to James for his time and expertise in capturing this moment in Downside’s history.