A Royal Holloway academic has been shortlisted for the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Britain award.
The Birth
Dr James Clifford Kent, from the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures, has been shortlisted for his photography work within the maternity wards of the West Middlesex University Hospital, part of Chelsea & Westminster NHS Foundation Trust.
His powerful portrait of ‘The Birth’ depicts a baby being delivered by caesarean section by two obstetricians and is part of his ongoing long-form research project Maternity.
His work documents moments of compassion and teamwork in maternity care, fostering important conversations around empathy and compassion within healthcare.
The first phase of this series was exhibited recently at West Middlesex University Hospital and acquired by CW+ (the Trust’s official charity). Dr Kent’s research, which explores the intersection of visual storytelling and healthcare, aligns closely with the University’s RH2030 strategy and its commitment to social impact.One of the UK’s biggest and most prestigious annual photography exhibitions, Portrait of Britain shines a light on images that define contemporary life in Britain.
Each year, 200 shortlisted images are featured in a hardback book, with the winning images being exhibited on the screens of the outdoor advertisers, JCDecaux, across the country for one month. Open to professional and emerging photographers alike, the award is judged by a panel of key industry leaders from across the UK.
Dr Kent said: “I’m incredibly excited and proud to announce that my portrait, The Birth, has been shortlisted for the British Journal of Photography’s Portrait of Britain award and will feature in the Vol. 7 book.
“I feel honoured to be recognised alongside such powerful portraits and so many talented photographers.
“This portrait, one of the standout images from my Maternity series, has been on an incredible journey, and I owe immense gratitude to the family and healthcare workers featured for trusting me with capturing such an intimate moment. I’m also grateful NHS England, Chelsea & Westminster Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the Queen Maternity Unit maternity team for their continued support.”
