Hull City on Film, a captivating photography exhibition showcasing the work of David Jones, will open at HOi, 22 Princes Ave, this April.
Curated by local photographer Victoria Smith, the exhibition offers an intimate glimpse into the vibrant world of Hull City, captured through the timeless medium of 35mm film. This is the second exhibition in the series by Victoria Smith at HOi, offering a platform for local artists to showcase their work and receive support.
David Jones, a website designer by profession and a passionate photographer by heart, has spent his time documenting Hull City matches and the surrounding atmosphere. What started as a hobby has blossomed into a wonderful collection of images that capture not just the football on the pitch but the raw, unfiltered moments of fans, celebrations, and the unforgettable energy of match days.
Fans and visitors will have the chance to view these images in person from April 26th to May 26th, 2025 at HOi Bar on Princes Avenue. The exhibition will also feature limited edition prints and photobooks for purchase, allowing attendees to take home a piece of the game.
This exhibition, located just a stone’s throw from MKM Stadium, explores the emotional landscape of football. From the fans enjoying a pre-match pint to the highs and lows of the game itself, David’s work paints a picture of the community that surrounds Hull City and its supporters. Each photograph reflects the spirit of the club and the fans who make it what it is. David explains, “I can see all differing emotions from what is happening on the pitch to having a catch-up with an old friend over a pint. The beautiful game really does bring people together and that’s the main reason I wanted to document it.”
The exhibition is a tribute to both Hull City and the unique world of film photography. “David’s work is both nostalgic and fresh, capturing the essence of match days in a way that resonates deeply with fans, I really love David’s approach to sports photography, its different and needs to be seen by the city” said Victoria. “It’s an exciting experience to bring this exhibition to life, and it’s a privilege to share it with the local community, the opening night is 26th April, so we hope fans will join us after the last home match of the season for a great celebration.”
Victoria is committed to providing a platform for local photographers and artists to showcase their work. Her role in curating Hull City on Film is part of her ongoing mission to celebrate and support Hull’s creative community. David comments “I’d always thought about trying to do an exhibition… I’d always put it off as I didn’t really think it was a good enough body of work, but after speaking with Victoria I was definitely put at ease”.
A special thanks is extended to Steve Skoyles, owner of HOi Bar, whose generosity allows local talent to be celebrated. “I’m incredibly grateful to Steve for allowing us to host the exhibition at HOi Bar, he is always so supportive of my work and Hull’s creative community,” said Victoria Smith.
The exhibition will feature a curated selection of David’s most striking images, showcasing moments both spontaneous and deliberate, from the stands to the pitch. The beauty of shooting with film lies in its unpredictability, this is part of what makes his work so engaging.
Exhibition details
Location: HOi, 22 Princes Avenue, Hull
Dates: 26th April – 26th May
Opening night: April 26th at 6pm
Admission: Free
Social Media: @hullcityonfilm @victoriasmith.uk @hoi_hu5