Hampton and The Wambaw

Photographs, Drawings and Prints

John McWilliams

Nancy Marshall

May 9 – June 20, 2026

Reception: May 9, 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

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Hampton and The Wambaw

Hampton

Arriving at Hampton Plantation in the early 1970s, Highway 17 was only two lanes. The road to Hampton was an ancient sand dune. Of fine sand, it wound its way to the house, past signs of swamp and primal coastal forests.

The uninhabited house was surrounded by wild azaleas that encroached upon the structure. The front steps had a wisteria vine banister and were old with peeling paint. The house had a presence of not being lived in for a long time. History had made its mark. Walking into the dark shuttered bare rooms, and then to the back porch surrounded by oaks and by a wild garden of azaleas and camellias, a path leads down to Hampton Creek. Flowers were in bloom. The garden was overgrown and wild with light and shadow coming through the overhanging moss and live oaks. A brick lined path wound its way among camellias and azaleas, leading into the darkness of the canopy.

It remains today a place of mystery and powerful silence.

The Wambaw

A blackwater creek reflects the trees and foliage vividly at water's edge. The line between reflections and reality is difficult to discern, it is disorienting and confusing.

One can lose the way.

The Wambaw is a black water tidal creek deep in the Francis Marion Forest. It winds through towering cypress doubling back on itself as it flows into the Santee River, originating in the Wambaw Swamp. With the rise and fall of the tide, there is always a flow. If there is a falling tide, it flows to the Santee River.

Follow the flow to home.

Knowing the power of the place, you will take something back and leave something behind.

John McWilliams

Nancy Marshall