A photographic exhibition featuring some of the UK's most loved comedians and performers will open in the North East this month.
The exhibition, titled 'My Name is Harry, These are My Pictures and They are Nice,' is the first gallery exhibition from British photographer Harry Griffin.
It will be on display at the Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA) and Pop Recs in Sunderland.
The display comprises hundreds of photographs from Mr Griffin's archive, providing a unique insight into Britain's comedy circuit, family and friendships, and moments of joy, celebration and boredom.
Mr Griffin, who is also a tour manager, has captured the everyday life of gigging with some of the UK's most celebrated comedians and performers, including Joe Lycett, Phil Wang, Nina Conti, Philip Rosenthal, Elis James, and Matt Chorley.
His images offer a candid look at life on tour, filled with wit and humour.
Jon Weston, curator of NGCA, said: "The close personal photos capture a vibrant comedy scene consistently pushing the boundaries and addressing important political and social issues both on and off stage.
"This is seen in a selection of photographs taken at a Pride event organised for Joe Lycett’s comedy tour in 2023.
"The photographs demonstrate how humour, creativity, performance, and freedom of expression connect across society."
Several stories within the photographs are illuminated through a newly commissioned interview film between Mr Griffin and Mr Lycett, where they share their close friendship, touring experiences and favourite service stations.
Mr West added: "Harry’s photography also moves beyond the stage and green rooms, to capture the particularities of human nature, good old British wit and urban landscapes.
"The photographs reveal a sharp eye for composition and a warmth and tenderness achieved through Harry’s reassuring lens."
The exhibition was curated with Gabrielle Barkess-Kerr and produced in partnership with the Northern Centre of Photography, University of Sunderland.
Ms Barkess-Kerr, an anthropologist, curator, and academic, said: "It’s been a joy to work with Harry and Jon to tell the stories of people and spaces behind the scenes, predominantly in the comedy sphere.
"With a focus on the quirks within his daily life and the personal relationships formed along the way, Harry captures the humour, friendship, fame and tedium felt during days off and on the road.
"In candid moments that bring to life the social and cultural scene of the UK and beyond, Harry provides an insight into behind-the-scene worlds that we would not ordinarily be privy to."
Mr Griffin uses traditional analogue photography and develops his pictures in a dark room.
Ms Barkess-Kerr continued: "Harry positions himself as a facilitator of the curious, playing into the instincts we have as human beings to engage and observe the many facets of human life.
"He provides glimpses of the extraordinary within the ordinary, capturing the transitory moments of daily life and transforming them into tangible moments to be viewed through still images.
"He observes moments of frenzied activity, but also of repose."
Most read:
- Wetherspoon confirms opening date for new 26-bedroom hotel and beer garden
- North East celebrity opens outdoor ice rink ready for festive season
- 'Stunning' North East town with 'miles of golden sand' is 3rd happiest to live in UK
Joe Lycett said: "Harry takes nice photos and some of those nice photos are nice photos of me.
"Some of them are not so nice photos of me but I don’t mind because I’m not always nice."
Mr Griffin's photographs will be on display at NGCA and Pop Recs from Saturday, November 23, to Saturday, March 2, 2025.
For more information, go to northerngalleryforcontemporaryart.org.uk.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here