In pictures: 'Dream come true' exhibition for Coventry photographer

Mark Pemberton Coventry CathedralMark Pemberton
Coventry Cathedral and its ruins feature prominently in the photography of Mark Pemberton

An amateur photographer says it's a "dream come true" to have his first exhibition at a cathedral which inspires his work.

Mark Pemberton's images will be shown at Coventry Cathedral from 6 to 31 August.

It was a "chance to show the wider world my pictures" he said.

Mark Pemberton Coventry Transport Museum and Bailey LaneMark Pemberton
The photographer's images receive praise and promotion on Twitter
Mark Pemberton Coventry CathedralMark Pemberton
The photographer's work features in Coventry Cathedral's guidebook

The self-taught photographer said social media had played a role in reaching a wider audience, with many of the pictures he posts being shared and liked on Twitter.

"Sometimes as artists or photographers we can be quite critical of our own work but I love it now because I get such good feedback," he said.

Mark Pemberton CoventryMark Pemberton
The exhibition opens in Coventry Cathedral on Sunday
Mark Pemberton Coventry CathedralMark Pemberton
The photographer described the exhibition as a "dream come true"

The 55-year-old council worker, from Whitmore Park, said he had even been recognised in the street.

"It's just been an amazing journey," he added, "and this is just the start."

Choosing the images for the exhibition was an "absolute nightmare", he added.

"I think Coventry sometimes gets a bit of a bad name in the press, and I just like to show people that it's a beautiful city and if you look that little bit closer you can see things."

Mark Pemberton CoventryMark Pemberton
The photographer said he liked to illustrate the beauty of the city

"Shuttering Illusions" by Mark Pemberton can be seen in the cathedral's Chapel of Christ the Servant.

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