Arts 20 July 2026

Meet the Photographer: Walk and Talk with Tom Astbury at Callendar House

Taking place on Saturday 1 August at 11am in the 2nd Floor Gallery at Callendar House, this free event offers visitors a unique opportunity to meet the photographer behind Iron and Clay: Photographs of Our Industrial Past

Step back into Falkirk's industrial past and discover the stories behind a remarkable photographic archive at a special in-gallery Walk and Talk event with photographer Tom Astbury.

Taking place on Saturday 1 August at 11am in the 2nd Floor Gallery at Callendar House, this free event offers visitors a unique opportunity to meet the photographer behind Iron and Clay: Photographs of Our Industrial Past and hear first-hand about the people, places and industries captured in his images.

The event will begin with a short introduction from Tom, who will share his journey into photography and explain his passion for capturing industrial spaces. Visitors will then be invited into the Gallery where Tom will share some of the stories of the people and places in the pictures.

As well as hearing from Tom, attendees are encouraged to contribute their own memories of Falkirk's industrial heritage. Whether you worked in a foundry, had family connections to a brickworks, or simply remember these industries as part of everyday life, your stories are welcome.

To reserve a place, please email Gillian.smith@falkirk.gov.uk.

More about the Exhibition

Working as photographer for Falkirk Council's Museum Service between 1979 and 1983, Tom Astbury documented the area's traditional industries at a time when many of Falkirk's foundries and brickworks were rapidly closing. His photographs capture a significant moment in the district's history, preserving the workplaces, workers and communities that shaped Falkirk's industrial identity. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, around 60 foundries and 25 brickworks operated across the district, and Tom's images provide a lasting record of these industries and the people whose skills helped build the area's reputation for iron and clay production.

After leaving Falkirk, Tom went on to enjoy a successful and varied career as a cameraman in the film and television industry. More recently, he has returned to his photographic roots, developing new personal projects and volunteering with the annual Stirling Photography Festival. His Falkirk photographs continue to be preserved and cared for within Falkirk Archives, ensuring future generations can connect with this important part of local history.