On 25th January 2025 I was delighted to attend the launch party for the third edition of the Portrait of Keble exhibition in Keble College Hall, Oxford. It was such a heart warming event and reminded me of why I love to do the work that I do, and the essence of what is important about it.
As with previous editions, a Portrait of Keble III is a series of 28 portraits of individuals who have been nominated by the Keble community as people who are making a difference to the world. That means that Keble alumni, staff and students are selected by Keble alumni, staff and students to be celebrated with a portrait in hall. The portraits hang in hall for about two years.
I worked on these portraits during Autumn 2024 after Keble had compiled the list of nominated subjects. Before the portrait sessions, I chatted to each person on-line about their connection with Keble and whether there were locations in the College that were especially important to them. That gave me both the opportunity to work out where to focus our time on the day of the shoot and also a head start with getting to know my sitters. It also gave me the chance to discuss what to wear. In this case, I asked for plain dark or bold colours. All of this preparation helps to give the portraits more meaning and more vibrancy.
What is so wonderful about the launch night is that it gives the families and friends of the portrait subjects an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of their nearest and dearest. I love meeting the families of the subjects, whether it’s grown up children, or parents, or dear friends and partners, who are so proud of what their loved ones have done, and are delighted to have the opportunity to tell them. Usually everyone is thrilled by their pictures and it stirs up all sorts of emotions. It’s really interesting how meaningful it is to be recognised in this way.
One person who I photographed was there with his sister, and they told me how their dad had worked as a labourer on the floor of the dining hall, and how proud they thought he would have been, if he could see the portrait. Another told me how their dad had left school at 13 and would also have be thrilled to see where his daughter had got to. These kind of stories were repeated around the room.
What I also really love about the Keble exhibition is that it doesn’t obscure the painted portraits on the wall. The history is still there, and in many ways the photographic portraits draw your eye to the paintings, and encourage you look at them with fresh eyes.
Most importantly, I think that the students who use the space every day can look up and see role models who they can relate to. Working hard on something that will make a positive difference to those around you, is recognised and rewarded and is something to aspire to. If my portraits help to encourage that spirit, then I’m more than happy.