Lynda Mallett is a name that resonates with creativity, history, and a deep connection to the natural world. Known widely as a talented photographer, artist, and community heritage researcher, Lynda Mallett has inspired many through her lifelong dedication to documenting landscapes, people, and stories. Her journey from London to Australia, then back to the UK, and finally to Nova Scotia, Canada, mirrors her artistic evolution — rich in texture, experience, and emotion. In this article, we’ll explore the life, work, and legacy of Lynda Mallett, diving into her early influences, her creative philosophy, and her contributions to both art and community archaeology.
Early Life of Lynda Mallett
Lynda Mallett was born in Berkshire, England, and grew up in London’s East End in a working-class family. A world of observation and imagination shaped her childhood. She spent her early years playing in bomb-damaged streets and exploring her surroundings with a curious eye.
Even as a young girl, Lynda Mallett showed a strong interest in art and creativity. Her early experiences with the city’s textures, light, and stories laid the foundation for her future in the arts. Art classes at school became her safe space, and she excelled in capturing the beauty of ordinary things.
The Australian Chapter: Exploration and Observation
In her early twenties, Lynda Mallett moved to Australia, a decision that would profoundly influence her creative journey. She and her first husband managed a tourist park and worked on a sheep station. During this period, she also hand-reared wallabies — an experience that strengthened her bond with nature.
The vast Australian landscapes introduced her to a different quality of light and silence, something that later became a signature aspect of her photography. These years honed her sense of observation, teaching her to notice subtle shifts in weather, movement, and mood.
Return to the UK and a New Artistic Direction
When Lynda Mallett returned to the UK in 1974, she pursued a teaching qualification at Nottingham Trent University. Her love for learning and sharing knowledge became an essential part of her identity.
It was during her thirties that she discovered the power of black and white photography. This discovery was transformative — she found a way to express what she saw and felt timelessly and intimately. Black and white images allowed her to focus on light, shadow, emotion, and storytelling without distraction.
Her photographic style grew from this moment forward: grounded in reality, yet poetic in presentation.
Lynda Mallett and Community Heritage Work
Beyond photography, Lynda Mallett made significant contributions to heritage and archaeology, particularly through her work at Thynghowe in Sherwood Forest. Thynghowe is an ancient Viking assembly site — a place where communities gathered centuries ago.
Lynda Mallett, together with her husband Stuart Reddish and other researchers, helped bring this site to public attention through community archaeology. They combined modern tools such as LIDAR and magnetometer surveys with local knowledge and historical research to uncover its story.
Her work at Thynghowe highlighted how ordinary citizens can play a vital role in preserving history. Lynda Mallett’s passion for connecting the past with the present made her a respected figure in the heritage community.
Moving to Nova Scotia: A New Chapter of Creativity
In 2014, Lynda Mallett and her husband moved to Nova Scotia, Canada. There, they co-founded Talking Water Studio, an artistic space dedicated to photography and creative exploration. The landscapes of Nova Scotia — foggy beaches, dense forests, and quiet shorelines — became her muse.
Lynda Mallett is known to photograph every single day, often saying that she “writes her life in photographs.” Her daily practice reflects her belief in being present, observing the world, and celebrating its quiet beauty.
Her subjects include:
- Birds like snowy owls, eagles, and shorebirds
- Coastal fog and ocean landscapes
- Trees, textures, and close-up shots of natural details
- Rural scenes and daily life in Nova Scotia
Her work stands out because it captures the feeling of a place, not just its appearance.
The Artistic Philosophy of Lynda Mallett
Lynda Mallett’s creative philosophy is rooted in observation, patience, and storytelling. She never leaves home without her camera, believing that meaningful moments can appear at any time.
Unlike many photographers who rely heavily on post-production, she focuses on capturing the scene as it is — a philosophy that keeps her work authentic and emotionally resonant.
Some of her core artistic beliefs include:
- Every day, moments matter — beauty is everywhere if you look closely.
- Light is everything — she pays careful attention to how light shapes mood.
- Photography is personal — each image is a piece of her story.
- Connection to place — her images reflect deep respect for the land and history.
Exhibitions and Publications
Lynda Mallett’s work has been featured in multiple community exhibitions and publications. She also co-authored heritage research articles, including:
- “Community archaeology at Thynghowe, Birklands, Sherwood Forest” (Thoroton Society Transactions, 2012)
- “Revealing the Landscape: Community Archaeology in Viking Sherwood Forest”
Her blend of art and research makes her unique — she doesn’t just document beauty; she documents meaning.
Impact and Legacy of Lynda Mallett
The legacy of Lynda Mallett goes beyond beautiful images. She represents the power of living curiously and attentively. Her journey shows that creativity doesn’t have to be rushed or commercial — it can be deeply personal and rooted in real experiences.
Through her community archaeology projects, she has helped preserve a piece of Viking heritage for future generations. Through her photography, she invites people to slow down and notice the world around them.
She has inspired many emerging artists and photographers to:
- Value their own voice and vision
- Engage with their communities
- Explore their environment deeply
- See art as a way of connecting past, present, and future
Lynda Mallett in the Digital Age
In recent years, Lynda Mallett’s presence has grown online, allowing more people around the world to discover her work. She shares her images, thoughts, and philosophies on platforms connected to the Talking Water Studio, connecting with art lovers globally.
Her growing recognition is proof that authentic, heartfelt storytelling through photography still resonates in a digital world.
Why Lynda Mallett’s Story Matters
Lynda Mallett’s story matters because it speaks to something universal: the importance of observation and connection. She proves that art is not just for galleries and grand moments — it’s in daily life, in quiet places, in the landscapes we walk through every day.
Her commitment to heritage research also shows how ordinary individuals can make extraordinary contributions to cultural preservation. Whether behind the camera or on a historical site, Lynda Mallett brings passion, dedication, and respect.
Conclusion: The Enduring Vision of Lynda Mallett
Lynda Mallett is more than an artist. She is a storyteller, a historian, a teacher, and a guardian of memory. Her photography captures the soul of places, her research uncovers forgotten histories, and her philosophy inspires people to slow down and truly see.
