Portraits of Hammersmith residents and workers unveiled at Lyric theatre
A new exhibition of portraits believes that better neighbours make better neighbourhoods. And we agree!
Spend any time in Hammersmith and you’ll begin to see familiar faces. Whether it’s the friendly folks in the King Street post office, the dreadlocked barber or one of the many chefs on TV, the area is small enough that you’ll often see the same faces over the years.
I’ve spent more than 20 years working in W6 and I do my best to remember everyone I’ve met. Even if a client’s name has slipped my mind – I can usually remember what house number and street they live in! Bizarre but true.
Now, a unique photo exhibition is presented by local charity United has opened at the Lyric Hammersmith theatre. Called ‘Humans of Hammersmith & Fulham’, the show is full of the area’s incredible characters and familiar faces.
The charity hopes that it will take away prejudice and exclusion, and inspire belonging, discussion and sharing. And judging by what we saw on opening night, there was plenty of lively chatting.
The collection of photographs and interviews was collected by United staff in collaboration with portrait photographer Nahwand Jaff.
“We invite anyone to come and see this exhibition which will continue to form a living catalogue of individuals,” said Kevin McGrath, chair of United in Hammersmith & Fulham.
“It really shows how wonderful our borough is and the value of all the communities within it. Those who are strangers but neighbours with so much in common, too.”
The exhibition, which free, was launched last week at a reception attended by many of the ‘humans’ themselves – including campaigner for unaccompanied child refugees Lord Alf Dubs.
United in Hammersmith & Fulham is a local organisation that inspires and helps fund activities that promote a strong sense of togetherness in our diverse London borough. This is achieved by connecting those who want to support the community with local causes that will best use their investment.
Humans of Hammersmith & Fulham 2020 will tour the borough in various venues. You can currently view the exhibition for free at The Lyric from 9am to 11pm, Monday to Saturday, until February 24. After that, it moves to the Black Lion Pub by Hammersmith’s riverside from March 1 to May 31.
