A photograph taken at a Sheffield care home was one of those that “inspired” the Duchess of Cambridge to launch a new exhibition to capture the 'resilience, bravery and kindness' of the nation during the coronavirus pandemic.
The image, taken at Newfield Nursing Home, features 79-year-old Jack Dodsley dancing with carer Kayleigh Jupp. Jack had previously tested positive for Covid-19, but had since recovered.
The Duchess saw the photograph in the media and it inspired her to launch “Hold Still” an ambitious community photography project, in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery, to capture the spirit, the mood, the hopes, the fears and the feelings of the nation as we continue to deal with the Coronavirus outbreak.
On the launch of Hold Still, The Duchess said:
“We’ve all been struck by some of the incredible images we’ve seen which have given us an insight into the experiences and stories of people across the country. Some desperately sad images showing the human tragedy of this pandemic and other uplifting pictures showing people coming together to support those more vulnerable. Hold Still aims to capture a portrait of the nation, the spirit of the nation, what everyone is going through at this time. Photographs reflecting resilience, bravery, kindness – all those things that people are experiencing.”
Newfield is one of three care homes in Sheffield operated by Palms Row Health Care, which has around 200 beds and provides nursing and intermediate care.
Nicola Richards, Director of Palms Row Health Care said:
“It’s wonderful to hear that the image of Jack and Kayleigh has inspired the Duchess of Cambridge just as it inspired us.
“We’ve had a very difficult few weeks but throughout it all the staff at our care homes, and care homes throughout the country, have been working tirelessly to care for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.
“The image of Jack and Kayleigh is powerful because it really captures the spirit of hope and tenderness that continues in our homes despite the huge challenges they’re facing. We’ll certainly be entering more images of our wonderful staff and residents into the exhibition.”
The photographer, Tom Maddick, was able to capture the image from outside the home and at a safe distance from staff and residents. Tom added:
"I’m delighted for Jack and the team at Newfield Nursing Home and it's brilliant that this image was one of those that has inspired the Duchess of Cambridge to launch Hold Still. It was a privilege to have the chance to capture their work and experiences during these exceptional times. Documenting COVID-19 has and continues to be very important and it was great to share a glimpse into the daily care and love given by staff."
Submissions for Hold Still can be made from Thursday 7th May via www.npg.org.uk.
The closing date will be the 18th June, 2020. One hundred shortlisted portraits will then feature in a gallery without walls – a one of a kind digital exhibition open to all. A selection of images will also be shown across the UK later in the year. The images can be captured on phones or cameras and each image will be assessed on the emotion and experience it conveys rather than its photographic quality or technical expertise.
ENDS
Notes to editors
Media contact: communications@palmsrow.co.uk
The quote from the Duchess of Cambridge is taken from the official press release issued bv Kensington Palace.
For more information about Hold Still visit https://www.npg.org.uk/hold-still/