A captivating collection of photographs and stories celebrating local residents is on show in a free exhibition at Fulham Palace.

The ‘Humans of Hammersmith & Fulham’ exhibition showcases the portraits and tales of around 70 local people in a creative project aiming to promote a sense of belonging across the borough.

Created by local charity H&F Giving, the exhibition features the stories of residents in their own words, including volunteers, sportspeople and those pivotal to services through the pandemic. The displays are being showcased throughout the historic rooms of Fulham Palace until 10 March.

“The exhibition focuses on collecting photographs and interviews to form a living catalogue of individuals from Old Oak to Sands End to inspire belonging, sharing, and inclusion for all,” explains Savraj Kaur, executive director of H&F Giving (formerly known as United in Hammersmith & Fulham).

“A key part of the exhibit is the voices of the people, through direct quotes which capture the mood of communities and individuals.”

Stories from across the borough

Among the stories are those of Fulham Palace volunteer Marvel, who recalls meeting the Duchess of Cornwall; Somali-British civil society leader Adam Matan OBE; and Solidarity Sports founder Sean Mendez, who helps local children reach their potential through health and fitness.

Produced in collaboration with volunteer portrait photographer Nahwand Jaff and curated by Kate Walter, the exhibition was first launched at Hammersmith’s Lyric Theatre in January 2020 by H&F Giving’s patron, Lord Alf Dubs.

Since then it has grown, and it continues to do so as new images and stories of residents who “live, work or play in the borough” are being added to the collection, adds Savraj, using “storytelling for our [charitable] purpose”.

“It’s turned out to be what I had hoped – a way to convey social issues, to tackle prejudice, and to learn more about our neighbours,” she adds.

Go and visit

The Humans of Hammersmith & Fulham exhibition is open daily from 10.30am to 4pm at Fulham Palace in Bishop’s Avenue until 10 March and will later move to the Imperial College Invention Rooms.

Find out more by visiting H&F Giving online.