Photos at the Table is a small service evaluation that grew from observations within RDS activities, where food often became a starting point for spontaneous sharing. In these moments, RDS members brought forward memories, stories, and reflections in their own way. Some sharing carried humour or lightness, while others touched on more complex or layered experiences. Together, they reflected the diversity of individual and cultural perspectives. Building on these insights, the project explored how food and photography could create space for communication, expression, and connection as part of the cultural life of RDS.
The evaluation took place through two online workshops, three individual conversations and community observations. Participants brought photos of meals and familiar foods to prompt discussion. These images helped surface memories and reflections, supported communication when words felt limited, and gave contributors choice over what to share. The service evaluation showed how everyday practices such as food and photography can nurture communication beyond words, affirm continuity in daily life and open inclusive opportunities for sharing lived experience within RDS’s cultural life. Below you can find some more images and words from participants in the Photos at the Table project.
“I’m the cook in the house”
“We are a very good team in the kitchen. But nowadays it’s more a case of my partner choosing what he wants and me facilitating that choice.”
“I used to enjoy cooking…I used to enjoy making bread…my enthusiasm for food hasn’t changed…my appetite has changed”
“I’m always photographing what I’m growing”
“It was really important to take pictures of some of those nice moments, and to use the camera to make nice moments.”
“We’re coming to appreciate some of the challenges of working with the camera as an opportunity rather than an obstacle.”
The Photos at the Table service evaluation was led by UCL Creative Health student Ming Zhu as part of her MASc dissertation project. RDS and Rare Space is aiming to build on the learning from these activities as part of our upcoming cultural programme.
The Rare Space cultural programme 2024-2027 is funded by The Linbury Trust.