Guildford Through The Camera’s Lens – Including The Great Flood of ’68

Published on: 19 Aug, 2026
Updated on: 19 Aug, 2026

September 1968: A young boy in Wellington boots watches canoeists at the bottom of Guildford High Street. Shops such as the John Collier tailors lie under six feet of water. Just around the corner Plummers store (which later became Debenhams) is also flooded out.

The above image was captured by Guildford photographer John Walmsley – whose work is being displayed next month as part of the Guildford Festival of the Arts.

Those old enough to remember the Great Flood of 1968 will recall the chaos and the upheaval that affected the lives of many. Homes close to the river in streets such as William Road and Walnut Tree Close were flooded out, as was the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre.

This extraordinary weather event was caused by a pronounced trough of low pressure which brought exceptionally heavy rain and thunderstorms to South East England.

John Walmsley’s exhibition will span decades of extraordinary documentary photography, and will trace his artistic journey from his formative years at Guildford School of Art right up to recent town events.

With a dedicated focus on ordinary people’s lives, his work offers a rich, intimate record of communities and moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

The exhibition will run at the Guildford Institute, Ward Street, from Monday, September 21, to Saturday, October 24.

Another of John Walmsley’s pictures: A shot of the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride setting off from the High Street in 2023. An exhibition of his work will open next month (September).