2 minute read
Mountbatten & Me
Renowned Island photographer
Julian Winslow has credited the
Mountbatten and Me project for restoring his faith in humanity.
Political issues, Covid and the cost-of-living crisis have all made the world a challenging place in recent times, but Julian’s involvement in the photographic exhibition, which launched in September last year, has left a lasting impression. ...while Hursts takes care of (literally) everything else!
Julian collaborated with Mountbatten to create a selection of portraits of staff, volunteers, patients, families, and supporters – anyone with a connection to the charity was invited to take part. More than 1,600 images were captured – taken while people shared their stories of Mountbatten – and 300 were selected for the exhibition. “Everyone I met was so beautifully human, showing humility and honesty while sharing their experiences,” said Julian. “I found, even though I heard some sad stories, come the end of the day I felt happy. There was a kindness and a warmth to everyone I met and a great sense of community and togetherness. There was lots of fun and strength shown in people – it was all very inspiring. Despite everything we are facing in the world, it gave me hope for the human race, and how people are decent and kind, even in difficult times.” The exhibition was made possible thanks to a special donation given to Mountbatten towards celebrating 45 years of hospice care on the Isle of Wight. The portraits are on display around the hospice building in Newport and anyone can visit to view them.
Lee Robinson, 57, has been supported by Mountbatten for nearly a year, mostly attending day care services and benefitting from 24/7 support at home. He spent a short time on the inpatient unit, which coincided with the photoshoot for the exhibition. “I was incredibly proud to have the chance to be part of the exhibition,” said Lee. “Mountbatten has changed my life – I have never experienced care like it and despite being under the palliative care umbrella, I’ve been made to feel like I do matter. I’ve been appreciated, respected, and valued and for me, Mountbatten and Me has been a very powerful way of showing my gratitude.” Mountbatten CEO Nigel Hartley, who was photographed for the exhibition, described the collection as a tribute to the Mountbatten family. “It brings together our communities and reflects on what living, dying, and remembering means to us all,” he said. We live death through life, and life is full of many different experiences, which we really wanted to capture visually. Sometimes the stories are sad, often they can be hilarious, they can be fun, and they can be full of achievement. The portraits reflect all these experiences, and we are proud to showcase them throughout our hospice building.”
