A town called Truth or Consequences provided the inspiration for the latest exhibition at The Dukes by Lancaster photographer, Michael Swarbrick.

The unusual name of this faded frontier town in the North American South West caught Michael’s eye as he read an article in the Miami Herald back in 2010.

“I read that work was due to begin there on the construction of ‘Spaceport America’ which was to be a world first private spaceport (an airport for space travel open to members of the public),” Michael explained.

“The article was concerned with the changes this futuristic venture would have on the town and its residents as they were thrust into the next space race so I decided to go and take a look with a view to documenting the changes to the town over the coming years.”

Spaceport America is also the home of Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic which aims to take visitors on journeys to near space.

Truth or Consequences is on display in our gallery until April 26. It features photographs of the town, portraits and pictures of the spaceport under construction as well as a short film including interviews with local residents.

Michael has been a professional photographer for 12 years after studying photography at Lancaster & Morecambe College and Manchester Metropolitan University.

He has lived in America and has previously exhibited in Miami, New York and Brussels.

Truth or Consequences can be viewed in the gallery during normal Dukes opening hours. If you are making a special trip to see it, please call the Box Office as sometimes the gallery is used for other activities. Please note that The Dukes is closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday.

For more information, ring our Box Office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org