Picture Britain: Our People, Our Poverty, Joseph Rowntree Foundation

Close your eyes and picture Britain. We all have an image of our country, what we value and how we get by in our communities.

Picture Britain was a stunning and significant collection of photographs commissioned by Comic Relief and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) that provoked us to rethink the way we see people who are caught in the riptide of poverty.

Featuring photography by Jillian Edelstein with personal stories captured by Stephen Armstrong, we heard tales of dignity and hope in turbulent times from people weathering the storm.

This exhibition revealed what we all have in common, but it also provided an alternative, more authentic picture of those battling to stay afloat. It shone a light on the power of individuals and communities working together to loosen poverty’s grip. But these are the stories that often don’t get told. Images of humanity, hope and pride. The exhibition aimed to stimulate a much-needed conversation about how we can right the wrong of poverty in the UK.

The project launched in London in February 2020 with the intention of touring, but due to COVID 19 it was paused. In the wake of lockdowns, with the added economic pressures that the pandemic has brought, this work was even more poignant and powerful.

“The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) and Comic Relief are delighted to present Picture Britain: Our people, our poverty, as part of Creative Hull. The project launched in London in February 2020 with the intention of touring, but due to COVID 19 it was paused. In the wake of lockdowns, with the added economic pressures that the pandemic has brought, we feel this work is even more poignant and powerful. We hope visitors in Hull find it equally stimulating and inspiring.” – JRF

With one in every five of us swept into poverty, it’s time to double our efforts to stem the tide. Charities alone cannot end the injustice of poverty, but together we can.

Comic Relief and JRF would like to express their heartfelt thanks to all involved in this project, especially to those who boldly stepped forward to be photographed and interviewed, but also to everyone who participated in the project in diverse ways. Without your valuable time and energy this project could not have been possible.

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