Story: Amy Palmer/Photos: Jeremy
The last week of May was celebrated as Refugee Week. The Messenger invited photographer Jeremy Abrahams to talk about his photography project ‘Arrivals’, which will be exhibited in Weston Park Museum in Autumn 2016.
‘Arrivals’ is a project to reflect the backgrounds of newcomers to Sheffield from 1939 to 2016. It is about people’s journeys to, and relationships with Sheffield.
Jeremy is finding a person who immigrated to Sheffield in each year from 1939 to 2016. Of the 77 portraits needed to complete his exhibition Jeremy has 33 so far, including locals Abtisam Mohamed from Yemen and Patrick Meleady from Ireland. All the participants are photographed at a place meaning something special to them.
The exhibition is a portrait of the city as well as the people and Sheffield Museums hope it will encourage more people to take part in activities at Weston Park Museum. Jeremy says that his project shows that immigration “is not a monolithic thing”. Many people have come here for work, or to escape difficult political situations in their home countries; they have come from the Commonwealth and Europe, intending only a short stay but putting down roots.
If you would like to represent one of the remaining 44 years and tell your story alongside a professional portrait photograph then Jeremy is keen to meet you! He will be at Abbeyfield Park House on Monday 22nd June 10am to 12 noon where he will answer any questions about the project. Alternatively you can contact him on 07570 400 181 or info@jeremyabrahams.co.uk.