One hundred and one photographic portraits, and every one depicts a member of the Christ Church community who has been connected with the college in some way for more than ten years. Each person has been photographed in a place of their choosing within the boundaries of the college.

But there’s a surreal aspect to the portraits as – reminiscent of the White Rabbit – each holds a giant fob watch in his or her hands.

The portraits are the work of German-born, London-based artist Bettina von Kameke, who was invited to take up residency at Christ Church as artist in residence while working on this fascinating project in 2008.

Look closely at the watch and you will notice that the hands are stuck at five past nine in every photograph. This is significant as time at Christ Church is five minutes out of step with the rest of Oxford, indeed the country. At five past nine each evening the great bell of Tom Tower rings out 101 times – hence the number of portraits.

Bettina says that she wanted to photograph people since this was the number of the Christ Church community when the college was founded in the 16th century.

While making each study she asked the sitter to think of his or her most precious memories of Christ Church, good or bad, which had made them stronger. She is convinced this is why she has managed to capture a sense of pride on the sitter’s face as the shutter clicked.

The backdrops her sitters chose include the stairs that ascend to the top of Tom Tower, the sitters’ studies, the quads, the kitchen, staircases and Christ Church Meadow.

The sitters are not named, but each has been photographed wearing the garments that represent his or her place within the community. It’s easy to spot the choristers, stewards, scouts, professors and the Dean.

101 Faces of Christ Church is on view at the Blue Boar Exhibition Room, Blue Boar Quad until May 7.