She has long been an avid illustrator and now Duchess Kate is taking her passion for the art to the pages of a new book to raise money for charity.
Together with the British National Portrait Gallery, The Duchess of Cambridge unveiled a coffee album of last year’s successful “Hold Still” exhibition, featuring 100 photographs taken from across the UK highlighting the different experiences of the country’s first national lock, which was a year ago this week.
Keep Still: A Picture of our Country in 2020 includes an introduction written by Kate, who is a supporter of the National Portrait Gallery and served on the specialist panel that selected the final images used in the digital exhibition from more than 31,000 applications. “As we look back at the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming decades, we think about the challenges ahead – the people we lost, the extended loneliness of our family and friends and the stress on our key workers, ”she writes in the book, which is published on May 7.“ But we will also remember the positive things: the amazing acts of kindness, the helpers and the heroes who came to -out of all kinds of lifestyles, and how we were together changing to something new normal. “
She continues, “Through Hold Still, I wanted to use the power of photography to create a lasting record of what we have all suffered – to capture the stories of individuals and record important moments for families and communities as well. we lived through the epidemic. ”
The book also features a new photograph of the Duchess, photographed by renowned Camrbidge photographer Matt Porteous, showing Kate in a red jumper in the garden of her Anmer Hall home holding a professional camera. Although her own images do not appear in the book, she has taken photographs of her family for official royal photographs.
Proceeds from sales will benefit a number of charitable programs, with 50% of the net proceeds going to help the National Portrait Gallery deliver education and community programs across Britain. The other half goes to support the major mental health charity Mind, including support initiatives run in local communities across the country.
The director of the National Portrait Gallery, Dr Nicholas Cullinan, said in a statement shared with BAZAAR.com, “The public response to Hold Still, led by our Patron , Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cambridge, has been remarkable. The submitted photographs have helped create a unified and civic picture of life in lockdown. ”
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind, said, “Coronavirus pandemic is a mental health crisis as well as a physical one. The horrific loss of life, the impact of a lockout, and any impending downturn mean that there has never been a more important time to prioritize our mental health. This inspiring collection of photographs shows the impact of pandemic in its complexity, but also how creativity, art and human connection can help us find meaning in unprecedented challenges. -ever. ”
As well as showcasing the 100 images from the exhibition and accompanying stories, the book will also look back at key events from the October 2020 community exhibition where a number of the images were shared. on billboards across the UK
Keep Still: A Picture of Our Country in 2020 they can be pre-ordered through the National Portrait Gallery.
Keep Still: A Picture of Our Country in 2020 – Foreword by The Duchess of Cambridge
When we look back at the COVID-19 pandemic in the coming decades, we think about the challenges we faced – the people we lost, the extended loneliness from our family and friends and the pressures we face. put on our key employees. But we will also remember the positive things: the amazing acts of kindness, the helpers and heroes who came out of all walks of life, and how together we changed into something new and normal.
Through Hold Still, I wanted to use the power of photography to create a lasting record of what we were all suffering – to capture the stories of individuals and record important moments for families and communities as we lived through Pandemic.
In May 2020 we asked the public to submit photos that showed their experiences of life in lockdown and we were delighted with the response. Over 31,000 applications were received from people of all ages and backgrounds, and from all parts of the United Kingdom. One hundred final images were selected, creating a complete picture of our country. From pictures of NHS staff caring for those battling the virus, to families sharing tender times through closed windows, each of the images provided a glimpse into what others were doing. going through at this time never seen before.
To me, the power of images lies in the poignant and personal stories that sit behind them. I was thrilled to have the opportunity to speak to some of the designers and sitters, to hear their stories in person – from moments of joy, love and community spirit, to deep sadness, pain, loneliness and loss.
A common theme of these conversations was how locking reminded us of the importance of human connection and the great value we place on the relationships we have with those around us. Although we were physically separated, these images remind us, as families, communities and nations, that we need each other more than we have ever achieved.
Many thanks to Nicholas Cullinan and our fellow judges for the time they put into investing in the project, and for their thoughtful feedback during the judging process. I would also like to thank everyone at the National Portrait Gallery for their enthusiastic acceptance of Hold Still, and for their commitment and support in helping to make this project a reality. bring to life. My thanks also to the Co-op, for all they did in helping to bring the final images back to the communities and people who created them, through our community exhibition and this book.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who took the time to submit an image – your stories are the most important part of this project. I hope that the last 100 images showcase the experiences and feelings that came through this wonderful time in history, honoring the incredible efforts of all who has been working to protect those around them, and giving us space to pause and reflect. this incomparable time.
This content is created and maintained by a third party, and incorporated into this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may find more information about this and similar content at piano.io