For A Time: Sanctuary Seekers in North Devon

When: 24 October 2026 to 02 January 2027
Where: Community Gallery
Time: 10:00 - 16:30
Cost: Free
Suitable for: Any age

For a time, between late winter 2022 and early summer 2023, the Dilkhusa Grand Hotel on Ilfracombe’s seafront was used by the Home Office as part of the Asylum Dispersal Initiative, helping to lessen pressure on towns and cities in the south east of England.

North Devon Council engaged The Pickwell Foundation to work with the local community and the people staying at the hotel, helping to build connections, provide support and create opportunities for people to meet and share experiences. Many local organisations, groups and individuals got involved, offering time, space and resources to support the work of The Pickwell Foundation.

Photographer Toby Adamson, was one of those individuals. With years of experience documenting events and stories around the world, Toby generously gave his time to capture some of the personal stories featured in this exhibition. His photographs portray intimate moments of joy, grief, pain and human connection, documenting a significant moment in North Devon’s recent history. Accompanying these visual stories are reflections by Mark Read, Captain of the Salvation Army, who supported the sanctuary seekers alongside Pickwell during this pivotal period while on secondment.

Together, the photographs offer a glimpse into the experiences of people seeking sanctuary and the many acts of welcome and kindness shown by the local community. They show what can happen when people come together to offer support, friendship and a sense of belonging.