We are very pleased to announce that our first ever photography exhibition will be open to the public for two weeks from next month!
In darkness, light is an exhibition of photographic portraits, which celebrates 50 years of SCT working with the homeless and those in recovery.
It is inspired by the transformative effect that SCT has had on the lives of hundreds of people in recovery from drug and alcohol addictions, and includes photographs of people who have experienced the harsh realities of addiction.
It is inspired by the transformative effect that SCT has had on the lives of hundreds of people in recovery from drug and alcohol addictions, and includes photographs of people who have experienced the harsh realities of addiction.
It also features faces of some well-known celebrities and Spitalfields locals from the arts and cultural world – people whose lives have felt the impact of addiction and homelessness, or are concerned by these issues. These include the film-maker Ken Loach, acclaimed film and theatre actor Jonathan Pryce, TV actor and personality Denise Welch (‘Coronation Street/Loose Women’), rock musician Noel Gallagher, Jo Wood and novelist Diran Adebayo.
The exhibition includes portraits of the filmmaker Ken Loach, acclaimed film and theatre actor Jonathan Pryce, TV actor and personality Denise Welch (‘Coronation Street/Loose Women’), rock musician Noel Gallagher, Jo Wood and novelist Diran Adebayo amongst others.
Dates: 17June – 27 June
Venue: theprintspace gallery, 74 Kingsland Road, E2 8DL.
The images have been taken by celebrated music photographer and local boy Lawrence Watson, specifically for this golden jubilee event for SCT. Watson established his first photography studio in Shoreditch 25 years ago, just opposite SCT’s premises.
The photography style is reminiscent of London portrait photography in the swinging 60s, when SCT was founded. The strong light and shadow in all of the photographs are intended to provoke reflections on our associations with darkness and light – such as moral, emotional, social and religious.
The photography style is reminiscent of London portrait photography in the swinging 60s, when SCT was founded. The strong light and shadow in all of the photographs are intended to provoke reflections on our associations with darkness and light – such as moral, emotional, social and religious.
For over 50 years, SCT has been supporting local, often homeless, people to recover from their addictions to drugs and alcohol, helping them to develop self-respect and hope for a real future. The stigma that continues to surround addiction means taking part in the exhibition is a brave choice.
Chief Executive, Graham Marshall, said: “SCT supports people to recover from alcoholism and drug addiction for as long as it takes. Since we opened in Spitalfields back in 1965, our attitude hasn’t changed. We care deeply about the people we work with and want the best for them, and we are in for the long haul. Recovery takes time, involving healing, change, and maturity to the inner person – this is where the long-term and permanent change has to happen.”
“SCT supports people to recover from alcoholism and drug addiction for as long as it takes. Since we opened in Spitalfields back in 1965, our attitude hasn’t changed. We care deeply about the people we work with and want the best for them, and we are in for the long haul. Recovery takes time, involving healing, change, and maturity to the inner person – this is where the long-term and permanent change has to happen.”
Lawrence Watson said: “I’m delighted to be supporting Spitalfields Crypt Trust, which does so much important work to help vulnerable people rebuild their lives. I hope that people find this exhibition interesting and thought-provoking, and that, vitally, it inspires renewed support for the charity.”
“I’m delighted to be supporting Spitalfields Crypt Trust, which does so much important work to help vulnerable people rebuild their lives. I hope that people find this exhibition interesting and thought-provoking, and that, vitally, it inspires renewed support for the charity.”
Also featured in the exhibition will be filmed interviews with some of those who have taken part, created by filmmaker Robert Chilcott.
The exhibition is sponsored by international law firm Shearman & Sterling.
The exhibition’s launch is also being supported by Fentimans botanical beverages.
Famous personalities that have taken part in the exhibition include:
- Diran Adebayo (Author)
- Fenella Fielding (Actress)
- Noel Gallagher (Musician)
- Michael Horowitz (Artist)
- Helen Lederer (Comedian/Actress)
- Ken Loach (Filmmaker)
- Andrew Logan (Artist)
- John McEnery (Actor)
- Trevor Nelson (DJ)
- The Rt Rev Adrian Newman (Bishop of Stepney)
- Jonathan Pryce (Actor)
- Vanessa Vallely (Business woman and Pearly Queen of Shoreditch)
- Vanessa Vie (Artist)
- Denise Welch (Actor, ex-Coronation Street/Loose Women presenter)
- Paul Weller (Rock Musician)
- Jake Wood (Actor)
- Jo Wood (entrepreneur/business woman)
- Members of the SCT recovery community
