KEIRA Knightley emerging from the brackish water of a country pile's ornamental pond in a diaphanous dress may have been the most replayed moment in Joe Wright's film of Atonement, but the harrowing wartime scenes filmed at Redcar were no less memorable.

Thornaby photographer Pam Ainsley was there the day that Wright's crew transformed the Cleveland seafront into the Dunkirk beach in 1940; the day when 1,000 local extras played soldiers under fire, on August 22, 2006.

Pam's photographs are on show at Art Circles, in Shambles, York, having already been the subject of an eight-week exhibition at Kirkleatham Museum in Redcar and further shows in Middlesbrough and Stockton.

"Atonement attracted a large amount of attention and national media coverage with photographers such as myself, and I feel fortunate to have been able to record this memorable event," says Pam.

She was fortunate in another way too.

"A selection of my imagery is due to the kindness of a resident who allowed me to view the filming through his open window overlooking the film sets," she says.

"I later joined the hundreds of local people on the beach to continue with my photography and enjoy a fantastic sunset that evening."

Pam's journey ended not only with the praise of Atonement author Ian McEwan, complimenting her "lovely pictures" and wishing her all success with her book of Atonement prints, but also with a front-row seat at the Beverly Hills premiere last December and the chance to take red-carpet photographs at the Oscar ceremony.

Art Circles director Rose Donaghy is delighted to be hosting the Atonement exhibition in York.

"Two months ago, Pam was walking around the city looking for a gallery to exhibit in; she came in here, obviously liked the look of it, and we talked and got on really well and set up the show," says Rose. "Hopefully we can now do further projects together."

On show are photographs of lead actor James McAvoy on set and in repose; the big wheel and damaged fairground band stand; horses looking noble in the sunset's embers; and bandaged, patched-up weary soldiers.

The work is displayed in a variety of settings: black frames, metallic boxes, box lustre, acrylic, aluminium, even Perspex, and prices start at £120 while the book, Filming Of Atonement, costs £49.95.

Lovely pictures indeed, as Mr McEwan so rightly said.

  • Pam Ainsley, The Filming Of Atonement At Redcar, Art Circles, Shambles, York, until May 31.