Jamie Hawkesworth Anisa Omar, Waitrose & Partners, supermarket assistant, 21.
British Vogue’s July 2020 issue offered a fresh perspective on the sacrifices made by the extraordinary people working across the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, in collaboration with the magazine, Phillips will premiere the work of celebrated photographer Jamie Hawkesworth in a virtual selling exhibition The New Front Line. Hawkesworth has selected 27 works featured in the cover story to be made available for sale for the first time, with all proceeds going to the National Emergencies Trust. Here, some of the voices behind this exceptional portfolio—from postal workers to midwives, train drivers to supermarket assistants—share their stories.
Jamie Hawkesworth, photographer. “With this project, I really noticed for the first time in a long time how much joy it brings to people to have their portrait taken. It sounds a bit cheesy, but every single person was genuinely really happy to be photographed for British Vogue. It’s the first time I’ve really seen that in action. It summarises this project.”
Jamie Hawkesworth Nicola Sands, Head of nursing for acute adult needs, 51.
Nothing is impossible–when there is a need and a determination to get things done, we get them done. –Nicola Sands, head of nursing for acute adult needs
Jamie Hawkesworth Yusuf E Gleason, Tania Pope and Emily Moss, Headteacher and Staff Members, Hackney’s Berger Primary School.
Edward Enninful, British Vogue Editor in Chief. "When it came to photographing the 'new front-line', I knew there was only one person for the job: Jamie Hawkesworth. Jamie’s photography is always very honest. I knew he would be bold, caring, unafraid to tackle such an important project and be excited by it as well."
Jamie Hawkesworth Eunice Ouko, Ward sister, 45.
Jamie Hawkesworth, photographer, on capturing postal worker Karrie Scott. “I was setting up my tripod and then a huge movers’ van came round the corner, with what turned out to be her whole family inside. They were cheering and got out to take a picture of me, taking a picture of her. As I was leaving I saw her sorting her post. It feels a bit exaggerated but it reminds me of the Norman Rockwell paintings of postmen and people, in particular one called the Jolly Postman, who has all these kids running after him and everything is blowing in the opposite direction.”
Jamie Hawkesworth Karrie Scott, Postal worker, 24.
If I can put a smile on someone’s face because I’m smiling, that’s amazing for me. That’s all I need. –Anisa Omar, supermarket assistant
Jamie Hawkesworth Anisa Omar, Waitrose & Partners, supermarket assistant, 21.
Rachel Millar, midwife. "One of the hardest moments for me during the pandemic was when I had my bike stolen. If you’ve ever watched Call the Midwife, you’ll know the importance of two wheels to an east London midwife, especially when we’re desperately trying to avoid public transport. Having to carry on working for the rest of the week, maintain good morale, and be that reassuring voice to worried parents was made slightly more difficult."
"But, within a few hours, a friend who also works at Homerton Hospital had raised over £500 online to help get me back on the road. Another colleague tweeted the story and within an hour, a local company had donated a brand new electric bike. It’s just one example of the community support and kindness that I’ve seen over the past few months, and what initially drew me to work in Homerton Hospital and the surrounding area. To say that I’m proud of my work family, and my wider community’s response to this pandemic, is an understatement."
Jamie Hawkesworth Rachel Millar, community midwife at Homerton Hospital, 24.
I remember one morning at Barking as I was changing ends, a lady smiled at me and said: 'Thank you, driver'. I smiled and said 'You’re welcome'. I felt such a sense of pride. –Narguis Horsford, train driver
Jamie Hawkesworth Narguis Horsford, Train driver.
Hassan Akkad, filmmaker-turned-hospital cleaner. “It has been very humbling and very rewarding to be part of the NHS during this time. I just wanted to help the community where I live in east London. I didn’t even think twice. I thought, ‘That’s where my ill neighbours are.’ So I went in the next day.”
Jamie Hawkesworth Hassan Akkad, 29.
Edward Enninful, British Vogue Editor in Chief. "British Vogue has always reflected the times – after all, the British edition of the magazine was conceived during the first World War when the American edition couldn’t be transported to readers overseas. So, I wanted to record this moment in history, to document the times that we are living in and the people who have kept this country going."
Jamie Hawkesworth Dr Rosena Allin-Khan, Labour MP for Tooting and A&E doctor, 43.
Jamie Hawkesworth, photographer. "I was on my own, with my tripod, one lens, one camera, and I just got on my bike and cycled around London, spending 15 minutes with each stranger. The sheer simplicity of that – it sounds so weird to say, and I hope not insensitive, but if I am really honest, it was joyous. It was the best two weeks I’ve had in a long time."
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