http://www.pressawards.org.uk/
Thursday, 5 May 2011
One woman's grief
Last month, Matt Cardy from Getty Images was named Photographer of the Year at the 2011 Press Awards. This was one of his winning photographs. The caption reads 'A woman clings to the hearse carrying her cousin, 20-year-old Private Douglas Halliday, whose body was brought home from Afghanistan'. When I looked at this young woman with her head and hands on the glass, I got a real sense of the 'distance' between the living and the dead – the hearse being a physical barrier that simply echoes the emotional one. Very, very moving.
http://www.pressawards.org.uk/
http://www.pressawards.org.uk/
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Simply breathtaking! You have so insightfully captured the poignancy of this incredible image... xx
ReplyDeleteThat's very kind of you Miss M, although I'm not sure anyone could really verbally do justice to what's happening in this photograph. I thought the picture was even more poignant for the fact that when you first view it, you don't spot this woman immediately. Then, when you do, it's all the more powerful.
ReplyDeleteI'm very troubled by this image - but I must declare where I stand. I am against these processions. Not only is she distanced by the hearse, she is also distanced by the Union Jack. Who does this soldier belong to? His country or those who love him?
ReplyDeleteWorse, she is surrounded by lots of people. We have private wretchedness in the midst of public pomp.
There is no need to take dead soldiers to the coroner in a hearse and I wish they wouldn't do it. Then a scene like this could never happen. Sufficient is the funeral.
In my very subjective opinion.
Thanks Charles. You've certainly taken a broader view of the image, which is really interesting. In particular your comment about the Union Jack. In response, my own subjective view is that if you asked the soldiers and their families whether they want the 'public pomp' they would say 'yes'. While the soldiers are most definitely someone's son, daughter, husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister etc. they are serving their country. And I think they want their country to show their appreciation, and their country feels the same way. I do think the general public line the streets as a mark of respect and not to ogle at private grief. Although I have to say I'm not sure how often family members make themselves, and their feelings, known in this way. However, in 15 minutes time there is a programme on BBC1 about Wootton Bassett. Perhaps it will enlighten me!
ReplyDeleteThere are two schools of thought here, CB. I don't think mine is helpful. I'd say Not in my name -- and I declare my pacifism. I rang the MoD press office to discuss this and they told me very firmly that mine was a minority view. So it is. And so I guess I find that photo wrenching in other and different ways -- as well as the way everyone sees it: one person's terrible grief for the loss of an other.
ReplyDeleteI've just watched the programme about Wootton Bassett. As someone who felt very uncomfortable about the public hysteria around Princess Diana's funeral as well as irritation with the current 'reality TV' world of excess tears and emotion, I did try to keep a very open mind about things as I settled myself on the sofa. Here's what came out of it for me:
ReplyDelete1. The procession began spontaneously with no political involvement.
2. It is dignified and respectful and everyone appeared genuine in their desire to pay tribute to those who have died and provide comfort and support for the family.
3. The veterans attending see it as a way of also paying tribute to their fallen comrades of previous wars who had no homecoming and, often, no grave.
4. The families appreciate and feel supported by the crowds, and believe their loved-one would feel the same.
5. Best quote came from a policeman who, talking about the show of support, said: "There's a lot wrong in society but we got that bit right"
It wasn't perfect - I did feel bothered by the fact that the cards left by family members were collected and some of them read out on the programme. I thought the head of the 'bikers' was a little too enthusiastic (for want of a better word), and, for some reason, I felt irritated by the slight 'swagger' of the FD with his cane.
Aside from that, I thought it was well done! I do, however, very much appreciate your view Charles - the 'wretchedness in the midst of public pomp'. But in the words of the family "it did help".
Oh I see... Sorry Charles. I didn't realise that was the angle at which you were coming from. Well, I too don't agree with the fighting. My view on the picture and the procession is based on the situation we have, and not the ideal we would of course like, which is no war at all.
ReplyDeleteI read a really interesting book review in the Sunday Times last weekend. It's called To End All Wars: How The First World War Divided Britain by Adam Hochschild, published by Macmillan. It's all about the brave stand of the conscientious objectors. Very good.
Interesting. The fact that this picture was taken at WB is almost secondary. It could have been taken outside any crematorium or chapel.
ReplyDeleteWe've all witnessed the family member who didn't want to go inside, if the coffin was still in the hearse, or who didn't want to leave the chapel.
I too have reservations about the FD's cane at WB (I always think he's about to break into "give me the moonlight"), but I get the sense that the intentions were good - it's just that it's got a bit theatrical.
Hi XP... yes, that moment of intense grief could have happened anywhere, although (thankfully) not often captured on camera. And, like you, I don't doubt for a second the FD's heart was in the right place but it was certainly, as you say, 'theatrical'.
ReplyDelete"I'm... putting on my top hat..."