Guinness Resident Explores Loneliness And Isolation Through Photography

Since the easing of lockdown due to Covid 19, Tony Fisher a resident at Riddings, one of Guinness Care’s Independent Living schemes in Derbyshire, has been able to resume taking photographs of people for his next exhibition entitled ‘Only the Lonely?’.

For the exhibition, due in Autumn 2020, he is currently taking photographs of people (ensuring social distancing) which explores loneliness, isolation and well-being, something he has battled with personally for over 40 years.

Tony has lived and worked in the East Midlands region as a professional photographer and filmmaker for many years, especially in the community arts sector and funding for his forthcoming exhibition was received from the Arts Council National Lottery Project Grants.

Tony said: “I have been interested in arts since I was at school and art college and have been taking pictures and making art all my life, it is something that gives me constant pleasure. Each picture I take means something to me and I love to capture the vibrant colours, and sometimes in monochrome, of the world around me and share them with others.

“At a resident meeting earlier this year, I was really touched to be asked to put up framed photographs in our lovely community room we have in our flats once renovation is completed.”

Steve Smith, Independent Living Adviser at Guinness Care said: “Tony keeps himself busy and works tirelessly both campaigning on mental health issues and championing the good work carried out by so many people who suffer mental health.

“His photography skills and his eye for detail promote both the impact of mental health, loneliness and isolation but also bring joy and his images are very thought provoking. Tony has won several awards and has exhibited in many galleries across the country. I think the man is a genius and an inspiration.”

Tony has recently received an honourable mention from the 15th Julia Margaret Cameron Award in the Worldwide Photography Gala Awards. Also, one of Tony’s photographs, is featured in the Lockdown Collection of Historic England and his photo ‘At the Boundry’ has been chosen to represent the East Midlands region in the Historic England Archive.