SWINDON artist Richard Gagola was first taught to hold a camera by top photo-journalist John Pilger.

Today he has his own exhibition of photographs and paintings at the Arts Centre Gallery, Devizes Road in Old Town.

My first job was in a photographic gallery and John taught me how to compose a subject and make the most of the use of light,'' said Richard.

Today the artist works for the museum service studying the geology of Swindon.

He has an exhibition of around 30 pieces including his big painting of Swindon Hill, which measures a staggering 10ft by 4ft high. It fills the field of vision,'' said Richard.

The show, called Halfway Down The Line, also has two poster paintings and seven photo-collages including one of Swindon station. It is part of the Visual Arts millennium year series of exhibitions exploring the theme of Time.

Richard is a member of CAOS, Contemporary Art-

ists of Swindon, and has some of his work on show as part of combined exhibitions but this is his first solo display.

Half Way Down The line is on show until July 27. It is free entry during theatre opening hours.