About
Welcome to the creative world of Diane Muldowney, an award-winning photographer, multimedia artist and workshop facilitator based in the heart of Pendle, Lancashire.
Working primarily in documentary photography, Diane explores post-industrial landscapes, heritage railways and the people who sustain them. Her practice is rooted in storytelling, community research and Northern identity, creating powerful visual narratives that celebrate Britain's industrial heritage while connecting it with contemporary life.
Diane studied Fine Art at UCLan in the 1990s, developing a foundation in film photography and traditional darkroom processes. She returned to academia in 2020, graduating with an MA in Fine Art with Distinction in 2022, further strengthening her research-led approach to photography and contemporary art.
Alongside her photographic practice, Diane delivers photography, cyanotype printing, charcoal drawing and linocut printmaking workshops for schools, galleries, museums, heritage organisations and community groups. Through these creative collaborations, she encourages people of all ages and abilities to engage with art, history and the stories that shape their communities.
Her work uncovers the human stories behind places, objects and industries, from heritage railways and historic machinery to collaborative community projects that preserve local memories and inspire future generations.
Whether through exhibitions, public commissions, artist residencies or educational workshops, Diane believes creativity can preserve heritage, strengthen communities and reveal the extraordinary in everyday life.
Explore the galleries, discover current projects and exhibitions, and follow a journey dedicated to telling stories that deserve to be remembered.
Commissions & Collaborations welcome.
Contact email: dmuldowney1@gmail.com
Exhibitions and recent work.
2026
After Dark
Research/photography/voice interviews - The nightlife of Nelson, Lancashire, past and present.
January - October 26
2026
Forged in Steam
Photography and mixed media Exhibition
The Haworth Art Gallery, Accrington.
January 17th - April 5th
2025 - 26
Welcome to Blackpool Pleasure Beach Station
Photography & Graphics Commission Community Rail Lancashire &
Armfield Academy Blackpool
September 2025 - February 2026
2025 - 26
Traveling with Confidence
Photography and Graphics Commission - Sight Loss Foundation
Community Rail Lancashire, Thomas Pocklington Trust & Mersey Rail.
August 19th 2025 - January 12th 2026
2025
Tracks Through Time
Photography Exhibition, East Lancashire Railway for Railway 200
The Whitaker Art Gallery, Rawtenstall
June 5 – September 21
2024 – 2025
In a Different Light
Photographic Exhibition
The Mechanics Theatre, Burnley
December 2024 – February 2025
2024
In a Different Light(with Andrew Nicholas)
Photographic Exhibition
The Old Althams Building, Nelson
Supported by In-Situ, Building Bridges & Super Slow Way
September – November
2023 – 2024
Artist Residency – In-Situ, Brierfield
Research & development for the Railway & Old Gasworks Project
Research Blog
2023
Photography Commission – International Women’s Day
National Railway Museum / Science Museum Group
Documenting the female crew of the Flying Scotsman at East Lancashire Railway
March 8
View Commission Work
2023
Photography & Workshop – Coronation Day
In-Situ, Nelson
If I was King for the Day
May 6
2023
Festival of Culture
Nelson
Photography Commission
July 1
2023
The Surplus Badge Picnic
Towneley Hall
Photography for Artist A & Artist B
July 2
2023
Photography Workshops
The Yes Hub
July 7 & 28
2023
Linocut Printing Workshop
Super Slow Way, Nelson Library
November 18
2022
Artist Residency – Atherton Holme Mill, Rochdale
Researching the history of the mill and producing an infographic
View Research Blog
2022
Artist Residency – In-Situ, Brierfield
Research into the local railway station
2020-22
M.A. Fine Art UCLAN