The Duchess of Cambridge has celebrated the ‘amazing’ entries to her photographic project documenting life under lockdown.
Images of sleeping nurses, shielding elderly and chaotic family scenes showing the reality of working from home are featured in the pictures submitted to Kate’s Hold Still initiative.
In a video message to encourage more entries Kate Middleton, 38, said: ‘There have been so many amazing entries to Hold Still over the last few weeks.
‘From families up and down the country showing how they are adapting to life during lockdown, through to some of the most amazing NHS and social care staff who are putting their lives on the line to save the lives of others.
‘But it isn’t too late to take part. So please take a moment to capture what life is like for you, because together I hope that we can build a lasting illustration of just how our country pulled together during the pandemic.
‘I can’t wait to share the final 100 images with you.’
The Duchess of Cambridge has celebrated the ‘amazing’ entries to her photographic project ‘Hold Still’, documenting life under lockdown. Pictured: ‘Working from home’ by Roseangela Borgese, features a working dad with his back to the camera while in the foreground a toddler lies sprawled on the ground surrounded by toys
‘Sleeping Colleagues Unmasked’ by Jane Roe shows two nurses, wearing intensive care branded uniforms, asleep on a sofa after a tiring day working on the frontline
Another entry, ‘Glass Kisses’ by Steph James, shows a shielding elderly lady sending a kiss to her loved one from behind a window. Elderly and extremely vulnerable people have been ‘shielding’ from coronavirus for the last three months, meaning interactions between family members have taken on unconventional means
Some of the submitted images include one titled Sleeping Colleagues Unmasked by Jane Roe – showing two nurses, wearing intensive care branded uniforms, asleep on a sofa.
Another called Working From Home by Rosangela Borgese features a man with his back to the camera sitting at a computer while in the foreground a toddler lies sprawled on the ground surrounded by toys.
Kate, who spearheaded the campaign, is a patron of the National Portrait Gallery and a keen amateur photographer, aims to capture a snapshot of the UK at this time, with the help of the nation.
The Duchess will personally curate 100 photographs for the Hold Still exhibition.
The mother-of-three previously told how she had been ‘struck’ by the many ‘incredible’ images seen already, ‘which have given us an insight into the experiences and stories of people – some desperately sad images showing the human tragedy of this pandemic’.
The Duchess of Cambridge, 38, has shared a video message to encourage people across the UK to participate in the Hold Still photographic project which she launched in collaboration with the National Portrait Gallery
In another poignant entry, ‘Biba Behind Glass’ by Simon Murphy, a girl can be seen with her face behind a pane of glass as she keeps herself safe from the deadly virus
Hold Still aims to create a collective portrait of lockdown in the UK, capturing the spirit, mood, hopes, fears and feelings of the nation as the coronavirus outbreak continues. Pictured, ‘We are the Future’ by Daisy Valencia
The heartwarming entry ‘Life Goes On’ by Matthew Williams shows a nurse in protective equipment, holding a newborn baby that has just been welcomed into the world
People from across the UK are invited to submit a photographic portrait which they have taken during these extraordinary times for the community project.
Participants are also encouraged to provide a short written submission to outline the experiences and emotions of those depicted in their photograph.
Hold Still is completely free, open to all ages and abilities, and will focus on three core themes – ‘Helpers and Heroes’, ‘Your New Normal’ and ‘Acts of Kindness’.
The idea is to create a unique photographic portrait of the people of our nation in lockdown as we ‘hold still’ for the good of others, and celebrate those who have continued so we can stay safe.
It will reflect resilience and bravery, humour and sadness, creativity and kindness, and human tragedy and hope.
Hold Still will also act as a reminder of the significance of human connection in times of adversity, and that although we were physically apart, as a community and nation, we all faced and rose to the challenge together.
The images revealed the reality of life for many amid the coronavirus lockdown – including ‘band practise at a distance’ by Becky Wickes
A schoolgirl flashes a beautiful smile in a photo titled ‘VE celebration during lockdown’ by Vanita Bhuva