Rankin, the acclaimed and renowned photographer, who is known for his portraits of Rolling Stones and the Queen, offered to capture the powerful portraits of 12 individuals from across the NHS who played a critical role in managing the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in a mark of tribute and thanks, as well as to serve as inspiration for generations to come. July 5 2020 also marks the 72nd birthday of the NHS.
The portraits now form part of a UK-wide OOH campaign, across all OOH media owners - and follows the 'Thank you NHS' campaign that JCDecaux UK created earlier during the lockdown.
As the coronavirus pandemic began to unfold, I was moved by the incredible efforts of people across the NHS and I wanted to document who they are and their role in fighting this disease. Taking a portrait is a unique and intimate experience, even with social distancing in place. Everyone had their own inspiring story which to them was just doing their job. I hope these images portray the resilience and courage they show every day in the face of real adversityRankin Photographer and director
Those photographed represent the breadth of roles available across the NHS and include an ICU consultant, a COVID-19 critical care nurse, a midwife, a psychiatrist, a hospital porter, a COVID-19 ward cleaner, a paramedic, a GP, a pharmacist, a district nurse, a 111 call centre worker, and a Chief Information Officer.
Rankin portraits for the NHS - Ali Abdi
Rankin NHS portraits - Emma Kelly
Rankin NHS portraits - Roopak Khara
