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What Does Britain Look Like? Portrait of Britain Vol 5 – Preview
The fifth edition of Hoxton Mini Press' annual portrait collection is here
By | 1 year ago
‘Each year that I write this intro I think to myself, “Hmm, Britain?” And then, as hard as I try not to let it, my mood slightly slumps,’ writes Martin Usborn, co-founder of Hoxton Mini Press, in his publishers’ note to Portrait of Britain Vol 5. ‘Union Jack underpants,’ he mentions, ‘Full English,’ ‘Brexit,’ ‘the turbulent collective identity crisis of recent years’… What makes Britain? What does it mean to live here? In its fifth instalment in collaboration with British Journal of Photography, Portrait of Britain Vol 5 illustrates our nation in flux, offering the type of answers that these questions warrant: multitudes, variations, eclecticism. ‘We thrive in collaboration,’ Rachel Segal Hamilton adds in her introduction. ‘We find kinship in different places.’ Here are 10 of the 200 varied portraits found in the new book Portrait of Britain Vol 5, available to purchase now. £25, Hoxton Mini Press
Portrait of Britain Vol 5, Hoxton Mini Press
Preview: Portrait of Britain Vol 5
Rebecca Hayes, Victoria Park Vixens FC
by James Cannon
Hackney Marshes, London
The team epitomise what it is to be part of the grassroots football scene in London. They’re fun, friendly and passionate about playing. I got to know the squad between lockdowns; it was a time when we appreciated just how vital a role sport plays in our everyday lives.
Jonny Goode At Pride
by Gabrielle Motola
Margate, Kent
‘Face full of makeup. 30-degree heat. Trying to find the suitcase with my evening wear in… That’s when she stopped me for a photo. I thought I had come across as a total bitch, but I don’t see that in the shot. I do see determination, though… Determination to find my BLASTED suitcase.’
Unsung
by Olufemi Olaiya
Buster Hill, Petersfield, Hampshire
I created this series to remember the sacrifice made by African soldiers in the First and Second World Wars. Regardless of their culture, beliefs and religion, they fought to protect the British Empire and its interests.
Coffee Mornings
by Angela Christofilou
Lancashire
My grandma and her two friends taking a coffee break during a game of bingo at the church.
Viktoriia
by Joe Short
Bath, Somerset
Ukrainian Viktoriia was 18 when she came to live with us following the Russian invasion. Her family are all serving in the military back at home. I think we have learnt far more from her than she has from us.
Amelia, Fearless MMA, Balsall Heath
by Jaskirt Dhaliwal-Boora
Birmingham
‘I do Thai boxing, and won the Midlands championship. My family comes to watch when I fight. I like to do Thai Boxing because it helps me when I get bullied – I can defend myself.’
The Ordinary Life Of Alison Martinu
by Lisa Carletta
Newcastle upon Tyne
‘Very few of us are in a position to integrate both aspects of ourselves into our everyday lives. Most heterosexual cross-dressers find their partners do not accept their inclinations and have to keep the whole thing secret.’
Kenneatha & Keziah
by Caitlin Chescoe
Wanstead Flats, London
I wanted to document how people use Wanstead Flats Through the seasons, and met Kenneatha and Keziah at the fair in summer. Keziah had wanted them to dress alike and spend some mother-and-daughter time together.
Sharon Baker
by Allie Crewe
Somerset
Sharon is one of the few female senior police officers in the country. She stands for change in the force, particularly when tackling corruption and domestic violence. We shot this at her home; I asked where she rests and recharges, and she said this was her favourite space.
Gay
by Steve Reeves
London
Gay remembers Queen Elizabeth’s Coronation, and worked in the offices of the Mayfair couturier who dressed the Queen’s ladies-in-waiting. Gay turned 100 on the day that the Queen died, but she still got her birthday card.
Portrait of Britain Vol 5 is available now. £25, Hoxton Mini Press
