Flowers of Britain

A series exploring the connection between our changing emotional response to the natural world and National Health Service over the time of Covid. During lockdown, deprived of our usual human interactions, many found a deep desire to be in nature but were similarly denied it, in what was arguable the most beautiful spring Britain had enjoyed in years. In our suddenly emptied streets, as councils stopped spraying and cutting, the verges, carparks and walls were reclaimed by plant life. Flowers sprang up through cracks and concrete. Normally discouraged, their strength and determination to flourish in a seemingly hostile environment gave them new status and called on us to appreciate them. At the same time, we were rediscovering our gratitude for the workers of the NHS. We emerged each Thursday into our streets to applaud them, as though noticing for the first time their determination, dedication and courage. We clapped them together as a nation and, often against their wishes, called them heroes. We were aware of something new... something that had been there all along. In these portraits I have photographed workers of the NHS in their place of work, each holding a wildflower. Some of these flowers and some of these people may have come to these shores more recently than others. Regardless, the NHS, and the flowers that grow on these islands, are life-giving forces – too often overlooked. This work seeks to celebrate them both.