Rankin’s portraits of NHS heroes
HE has captured iconic images of rock stars and royalty. The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Kate Moss and The Queen are among his most famous.
But now he has turned his lens to someone just as deserving of our admiration critical care nurse, Emma Kelly, who works at Manchester Royal Infirmary.
She is one of a dozen NHS staff who have served on the frontline during the COVID-19 pandemic to be photographed by Rankin.
The portraits were unveiled on Monday to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of the NHS next month.
They will be shown on posters at bus stops, roadside billboards as well as pedestrian areas including the world-famous Piccadilly Lights in Piccadilly Circus in London.
Emma, 26, and a nurse for four years, has seen her dedication and skill pushed to the limit during the pandemic. She was stunned when chosen for the photo shoot by Rankin.
“At first I thought it must be the wrong Emma as I feel like
I’m just doing the job I was trained to do. While all of us who work in the NHS do the job because we want to care for and support out patients - it was lovely to be recognised in this way and to be able to share our stories with the world.”
Rankin, full name John Rankin Waddell, a British photographer, and film director, said: “As the coronavirus pandemic began to unfold, I was moved by the incredible efforts of people across the NHS and I wanted to document who they are and their role in fighting this disease.”
All portraits are being donated by Rankin to the NHS. Advertising space to display the portraits has also been donated.