SKATEBOARDING: Past, Present, Future

Step into Skate Culture this April at Westgate Galleria

This April, the Guest Wall at Westgate Galleria will feature a striking photomontage by local photographer Sarah Wyld - a powerful and entertaining visual journey through decades of skateboarding culture, community, and change.

Spanning 1978 to 2025, Sarah’s work captures iconic moments and locations: from Election Day in Battersea (on the day Margaret Thatcher became Prime Minister); to Clapham Common; the legendary Southbank Undercroft Skatepark; and right here in Westgate - photos taken in the final days of Westgate's old Skatepark and during a more recent Community Fundraiser event on Station road supporting its rebuild.

This isn’t just an exhibition - it’s a celebration of skateboarding’s spirit and a call to action.

Support the Future of Westgate Skatepark
The exhibition is part of a wider Community Fundraiser to support the new Westgate Skatepark Build, a collaboration between Nic Powley (Skate Pharm CIC), Westgate-on-Sea Town Council, the family of local Olympic-hopeful Tay Cunningham, and grassroots fundraising by residents and traders. Phase one saw the opening of a new - larger - concrete ramp, and phase two will extend the facilities further to create a permanent space for skateboarders, BMX riders, and scooter enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. It will be a safe, inclusive community hub where our young people can stay active and healthy, learn new skills, join coaching sessions, events, and competitions and build friendships and confidence.

During the show visitors will be able to purchase the individual prints on display at. suggested minimum price - first come, first served. Extra donations are very welcome. All payments will go to the Community Fundraiser. (After the show Sarah's prices will be back to normal, a whole lot more).

Entry to the exhibition is free and it's open 10am to 5pm Mondays to Saturdays every week. It takes place in a shared artists and makers retail gallery that has sponsored Sarah's exhibition and will be open to the public too.

About the Artist
Sarah Wyld has been documenting people, places, and social history since the 1970s. in 1979 she was a founding member of Wandsworth Photo Co-op (later Brixton’s Photofusion, a prominent, non-profit photography resource centre and gallery). Her work spans community projects, major charities, publications, and decades of teaching (darkroom) photography. Sarah's photographs are included in the Photo Co-op Archive, prints and objects, 1979 to 1986 now held by the Martin Parr Foundation in Bristol.

Since moving to Westgate-on-Sea, Sarah has become a familiar and enthusiastic supporter of local creative and community initiatives, contributing to events including POW Thanet, East Kent Mencap's See Me And Hear My Voice, Margate Pride, and the Turner Open.

Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahwyldphotography. Follow the Westgate Skatepark Fundraiser on Facebook and Instagram: @westgateskateparkfundraiser

All photographs copyright of Sarah Wyld except for the one of the photographer with a skateboard taken just before she fell on her bum. Thank you, Scorcha Skate School!