Photographer Rankin brings unique exhibition to Hospice

St Andrew’s Hospice is preparing to open its doors to a ground-breaking exhibition of real-life portraits by world-renowned photographer Rankin.

The series of eight photographs, which will go on display to the public in April, is the result of a collaboration between Rankin and Hospice UK, offering the opportunity to explore and discuss loss, grief and memory. Each one depicts individuals experiencing grief, woven into past pictures of their loved ones. The pieces capture love and heartache, offering a touching reminder of life’s fragility, and are accompanied by the powerful stories behind the images.

The exhibition, titled #IRemember, will be open to the public on Saturday, April 20th and Sunday, April 21st between 11am and 3pm, and Monday, April 22nd and Tuesday, April 23rd between 2 and 5pm. Entry is free, with refreshments available from the on-site Coffee Retreat.

It is the first time the public have been invited into St Andrew’s Hospice since the coronavirus pandemic started in 2020. Marking the start of our 45th anniversary celebrations, we are delighted to have the opportunity to welcome our community in to chat to staff, find out more about the services we offer and engage with the hospice’s brand new strategy for the next five years.

British photographer Rankin is no stranger to charity work, after making his name snapping portraits of celebrities from Kate Moss and Madonna to David Bowie, and even the late Queen Elizabeth II. His collaboration with Hospice UK is in support of the Dying Matters campaign, which aims to open the conversation on our universal and unique experiences of death, dying, and grief.

Rankin said: “Photographs are like time capsules, which means photography can be very powerful in dealing with death and loss.

“The family portrait or holiday snap, allows you to emotionally connect through time and space with the person you have loved and lost. It keeps them alive in your memory, whilst also giving you something to memorialise them with. That’s why I love this project, it connects us to our emotions’ history and everyone can be part of it.”

Sarah West, Director of Campaigns and Communications at Hospice UK, also commented: ”How we remember loved ones is an important and uniquely personal part of grief. We’re so pleased to be working with Rankin to capture a range of experiences, telling bold and brave stories from all walks of life.

“We know his creative vision will capture grief in a new and dynamic way, encouraging much-needed conversation about death, dying and bereavement.”

To view the exhibition, simply drop in to St Andrew’s Hospice on Peaks Lane, Grimsby, DN32 9RP on April 20th or 21st (11am-3pm) or 22nd or 23rd (2-5pm). For more information, please call 01472 350908.