There are over 500,000 photographs in the ’pling px collection. The process of digitising, cataloguing, developing and showcasing this amazing collection is an ongoing process that is likely to take many years. We are working through the collection sequentially, to ensure that the older negatives are preserved and digitised before they degrade. As we sort through this massive collection of photos, we will continue to add new content and share stories.
In addition to physically archiving ’pling’s photos, we are recording and documenting individual stories from Canberra artists, bands, collaborators, to add depth and meaning to the collection. Stay tuned for future updates on this initiative. We are also seeking opportunities to showcase ’pling’s collection, so please get in contact if you would like to discuss further.
The ’pling px collection has been made possible by the generous support of friends, family, colleagues, collaborators and supporters. There is no doubt that this collection will keep giving for many lifetimes to come. It would be wonderful if you could donate to help make this possible.
’pling (Kevin Prideaux, 1955-2018)
Kevin (’pling), was the small skinny kid at school. It was while studying Forestry at ANU, that he was given his new name that would stay with him for the rest of his life.
“When we were talking about what degrees we were going for, and tiny, skinny Kevin Prideaux from Victoria (he grew later) said ‘Forestry’, Henry claimed loudly ‘you’re not a forester, you’re just a sapling!’ And we all loved it. It fitted his character because he was always a gentle "Sapling", a really good, quiet and dependable fellow.”
This was shortened to ’pling, and has stuck ever since. He had a short career in Forestry, then City Parks and finally moved into database management work for the ACT government.
For approximately 40 years his day job was a public servant and then photographer by night.
’pling was deeply respected within the arts community for his continued passion, love and support. He has left us with a beautiful gift - a photographic legacy that is incomprehensibly immense, a unique snapshot of the Canberra theatre/music scene from 1970s - 2010s. He especially captured an incredibly detailed snapshot of the innovative and experimental alternative/punk music, theatre, dance and arts scene in Canberra from the 1990’s. He took thousands upon thousands of photos, and printed/gifted hundreds of photos to artists and performers.
Photo by Konrad Lenz : www.konradlenz.net