A new gallery exhibition remembers a photographer who found his calling later in life
When: Friday 5 June – Saturday 20 June 2026.
Times: Fridays 11am–4pm, Saturdays 10am–5pm
Where: Curated Gallery, Bon Accord Centre.
North East Scotland College's HND Photography students are exhibiting work at a new city centre gallery in June, in a show honouring Paul Nicol, a former student who passed away earlier this year.
Paul came to photography in his forties, after years running a small furniture business. A cancer diagnosis prompted a change in direction, and he enrolled on the HND Photography course at NesCol in 2019. After graduating, he built a career working across film, digital and cyanotype photography.
His family will present the award at the opening
The Paul Nicol Award will be given at the opening evening to the student who has shown the strongest work and commitment to their course. A selection of Paul's own photography will be on display alongside a portrait in tribute to him.
Karen Catto, photography lecturer at NesCol, said: "He was endlessly curious, consistently committed, and unafraid to experiment. His resilience, respect for others, and genuine care for his peers set him apart, while his creativity and high standard of work defined his practice."
Paul's wife Emma Nicol said: "The course was at a pivotal time in his life, providing a welcome focus. Our family misses him every day, but we are thankful that we have all of his beautiful images to keep with us."
The exhibition is at Curated Gallery, a new space within the Bon Accord Centre, with Curated, the independent makers market next door.
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