The Ashmolean presents a unique vision of Oxford in this series of black and white photographs by independent photographer Norman McBeath revealing a timeless city of stories where everyday places assume the magic of stage-sets.

Introducing the exhibition, award-winning author Jeanette Winterson said: "These photographs are sometimes dark mirrors that beckon to a world both revealed and reflected.

This is our known world, but it is another world too not known. Again, the photographs are doors, half opened, for you to enter; they are trap doors. Things are not what they seem. In daylight, it is simple. At night, it is not simple anymore."

McBeath captures an enigmatic aspect and mood of Oxford. By using the artificial and constant night-time light his photographs depict shadows and shapes which are absent during the day. Assuming a new dimension in the darkened landscape the shadows' forms are magnified, adding mystery to the scenes. The series evokes an atmosphere of expectancy and quiet drama, as if something has just happened or a story is about to unfold.

Form and light are key elements in McBeath's work. His work with night photography subverts conventional techniques instead of exposures of fractions of a second, the shutter is open for several minutes. The series took three years to complete.

Norman McBeath grew up in Scotland where he took an honours degree in Psychology. Before settling in Oxford to concentrate on photography, he spent seven years teaching English as a foreign language in Egypt, Sudan and Saudi Arabia.

He specialises in social documentary photography and portraiture. His work has been shown throughout the country and his exhibition 'Beyond Beirut', the result of a commission from The British Council, toured North Africa and the Middle East.

The National Portrait Galleries in Edinburgh and London have a number of his portraits in their collections. Norman McBeath now lives in Edinburgh and is currently working on a book of portraits of poets.

The Ashmolean is open Tuesdays to Saturdays 10am to 5pm, Sundays 12pm to 17pm, and open on Bank Holiday Mondays from 10pm to 5pm. Entrance to the exhibition is free.