STAY AT HOME – LIFE IN LOCKDOWN
PERSONAL PROJECT
Personal project – a memory book for photography friends and the ICU Department at James Paget Hospital, Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk
PERSONAL PROJECT FOR ICU STAFF DURING LOCKDOWN
THE CONCEPT
This project aimed to create a memory book for the staff at the ICU Department of James Paget Hospital in Gorleston-on-Sea, Norfolk, while also providing a comparison with a group of photography friends, all of whom were in lockdown at home.
The book developed in two parts:
Part One
Photographers and their families from across the UK contributed their lockdown family portraits, along with reflections on how they felt during the period of enforced isolation (each photographer took their own family portrait).
Part Two
NHS staff and their families shared their personal photos (all taken on mobile phones) and expressed how it felt to work on the frontline during the pandemic.
THE TIMELINE
- March – The idea for the book was born.
- April – Project inception.
- May to June – Photographs and quotes were collected, and the book was designed.
- July – A free e-book was made available to everyone featured.
- August – Printed copies were delivered.
BESPOKE FRONT COVERS
Custom front covers were created for each e-book, ensuring that both ICU staff and photographers were represented on the cover.
THE RESULT
After six months, the idea—sparked by a conversation with a friend working in the ICU and my desire to tell their story—became a tangible reality. I was invited onto BBC Radio Suffolk to discuss the project, where I realized that some viewed the book as a form of entertainment for me during lockdown. The truth is, I needed a focus during my time spent shielding, which was a frightening and uncertain period for all of us.
The personal accounts I received through the material sent to me were, at times, harrowing. Every time a new quote or set of pictures arrived in my inbox, my emotions were heightened, and there were moments when I was moved to tears by the stories shared.
FACTS AND FIGURES
- Messages received to complete the book: Over 300
- Emails: 39
- Hours spent on design and development: Too many to count
- Tissues: 1 box, used daily (while reading everyone’s quotes)
- Proofreading: 2 people, over 10 hours
Lockdown affected each of us differently
NHS staff and volunteers worked on the front line in the battle against Covid-19.
Smiles, at times, camouflaged anxiety.
And exhaustion. And overwhelm.
Emotions ran high!
The photography industry were instructed to stay home by the government.
Smiles, at times, camouflaged anxiety and overwhelm.
Activities, at times, were a form of distraction.
Emotions ran high!
