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Oscar (rescued baby seagull) | South Devon | Photographer Helen Duvall

Oscar the baby seagull was an orphan found limping along by a passer by who took him to Kingsteignton Vetenary Practice, they gave him immediate care for his injured leg and then passed him onto Irene Ryder who runs the Angel Baggage Wildlife Hospital which specialises in the rehabilitation of wounded, injured or sick birds, hedgehogs and other wildlife. Oscar was not initially very lively and it transpired that he had internal parasites which needed to be eradicated. He was named ‘Oscar’ as he always put on a performance when being given his medication. When recoverd he became very talkative. Oscar was at the hospital for many months until he was fully grown with his first set of feathers. Initially he spent some time in a cage for his own safety. Eventually he was introduced to outside life in the cage which was left open to allow him the freedom to adjust and integrate with other birdlife. The hospital has many ‘resident’ seagulls who were previous patients and regularly return to visit, taking a snack on food that is always left for them which gives other younger seagulls the opportunity to feed with them and learn their calls. So that Oscar would not feel lonely as the only baby he was given a mirror which provided a friend to look at. He loved his friend and spent large parts of the day standing with his double for reassurance. He learnt how to fly and one windy day he circled the hospital and flew away to start his new life.

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Photographer Helen Duvall

Bean Homeless for Too Long, London This guy was sat on the streets alongside a Mr Bean themed stag party of well heeled revellers who spilled out onto the street for a smoke. Rather than ignore him they donated a few bottles of beer and a Mr Bean mask which he was happy to receive.

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Photographer Helen Duvall

The Other Side of Bristol, a series of photographs documenting random aspects of life in Bristol. I have spoken to Paul (who is pictured in this photograp) on several occasions when he has been living and sleeping on the streets. He has finally managed to get overnight accommodation, but returns to these steps every day to lend his support to other homeless people.

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The Other Side of Bristol, a series of photographs documenting random aspects of life in Bristol. I really felt a sense of sympathy for the mannequin in this photograph as I felt that even stripped bare and redundant of her former glory, she seemed composed with a serene dignity as she waited patiently to be packed into the back of a van with other second hand goods.

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Photographer Helen Duvall

The Other Side of Bristol

The Other Side of Bristol, a series of photographs documenting random aspects of life in Bristol.

This kind lady provided a simple source of amusement for a whole array of children and teenagers. She spoke no words as she simply used soap, water a small frame and the breeze to create the most astonishing bubbles and a hub of delight for all those who joined her.

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Moustache Man 1970 | Photographer Helen Duvall

Moustache Man 1970 can be found at Chaplins Fancy Dress which is an amazing emporium stacked full of ephemeral costumes for every occasion, in the heart of Bristol. @ChaplinsBristol @chaplinsfancydress #chaplinsfancydress @bristol 

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Madonna | Photographer Helen Duvall

Madonna - Chaplins Fancy Dress - Bristol | Helen Duvall

Madonna can be found at Chaplins Fancy Dress which is an amazing emporium stacked full of ephemeral costumes for every occasion, in the heart of Bristol. @ChaplinsBristol @chaplinsfancydress #chaplinsfancydress @bristol

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Brexit for Dummies with the New Cabinet | Photograph by Helen Duvall

Notwithstanding the absurdity of BREXIT this image encapsulates the uncertainties of a new leadership and cabinet, which may prove devoid of what’s necessary to avoid a no-deal BREXIT. With the departure of Theresa May and victory for Boris Johnson, the new cabinet at the helm on this perilous BREXIT cruisade enter a continental sea of dismay and astonishment at the barmy Brits. Faceless bureaucrats from all parties have metaphorically lost their entire heads as they switch allegiance with every turning tide to transgress their individual status above their duty to serve the best interests of the citizens of this country. Whether you are a remainer, leaver or an inbetweener BREXIT represents chaos in a variety of forms. 

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Photographer Jan Peter Vos

Delirium of Red

Delirium of Red is a fine art photographic study by the highly collectable Dutch photographer Jan Peter Vos. 

Delirium of Red captivates the viewer with a central cascade of vibrant red leaves which resonate at the heart of a spectra of polychromatic hues from brightest magenta, sparkled with rich flecks of metallic gold and viridescent lime, through to a central backdrop of silver blue sky that permeates through the outer reaches of the canopy. A deep diagonal break divides the image from top right to bottom left, loosely stitched together by spidery jet black trees as they reach upwards in their search for freedom from this densely euphoric flora. This spellbinding image indulges its viewer with a voracious effusion of exquisite chromatic pleasure.

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Photographer | Helen Duvall

Sweet talk all you like honey, it won’t wash with me... | Chagford Show 2018, Devon

These camels were born performers, they put on a wonderful racing display at the Chagford Show last summer to the delight of their audience. They are two of ‘Joseph’s Amazing Camels’ from Warwickshire. I caught up with them back-stage after their show. Having never taken a portrait of a camel before, I soon discovered that they were totally relaxed with my camera as they clammered to pose and even photo bomb one another. The male camel on the right constantly chewed and chatted while his female companions expressed their distain so eloquently with facial expressions that spoke a million words. 

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Photographer | Helen Duvall

Chasing Rainbows | Dartmoor, Devon

Chasing rainbows is a delightful pastime on Dartmoor. The divine grace of a rainbow captivates the viewer with a silent mistique that can only ever last for a maximum of minutes. To catch on camera the spirit of one of these radiant apparitions is always a pleasing achievement, to know that the moment is saved to be enjoyed at one’s leisure, never to be lost. 

A rainbow is a meteorological occurance caused by reflection, refraction and dispersion of light in water droplets to form a spectrum of light in the form of a multicoloured circular arc in the sky. Rainbows caused by sunlight always appear in the section of sky directly opposite the sun. Rainbows can be full circles, however, the viewer usually sees an arc formed by illuminated droplets above the ground, and centered on a line from the sun to the eye of the observer. In a primary rainbow the outer band of the arc is red and the inner band is violet. Primary rainbows are caused by light being refracted when entering a droplet of water, then reflected inside on the back of the droplet and refracted again when leaving it. In a double rainbow, a second arc appears outside the primary arc. In the second arc the light is reflected twice on the inside of the droplet before leaving it. The order of colours are therefore reversed, with red on the inner band of the arc. 

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Photographer | Helen Duvall

In celebration of British Rugby | North Cross Rugby Team | South Devon 

Rugby at every level should be celebrated for the unity it brings: 

The unity of every player in every local team. 

The unity of all professional players for the highest ranking British teams.

The unity of supporters from all walks of life, no matter who they support.

The unity established through international, national and local pride. 

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Photographer | Helen Duvall

Title of photograph: Rosina

Heads of State is a series is of documentary photographs taken by Helen Duvall in specialist wig, vintage clothing and hat stores in Bristol and London. This portrait of Rosina was taken with the kind permission of Catwalk Hair & Beauty in Brixton, London – purveyors of the most amazing wigs imagineable. 

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Retirement | Photographer Helen Duvall

When a modelling career is over for a mannequin what comes next? They are sculptured and designed for both function and beauty, yet the anonymity of whoever created these gracious paragons of beauty remains a mystery. Overtly flirtatious, provocative and yet distant with a fixed gaze that never engages the viewer. One small mark, scratch or chip can render redundancy, at which point the body is often dismantled for storage or disposal and limbs are lost along the way. The vulnerability of these delicate works of art is exposed as a perfect form is dismantled and discarded. 

As seen on BBC iplayer: Your pictures on the theme of ‘forgotten objects’ https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-46905816

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Photographer Helen Duvall

World War 1 Centenary

There But Not There ‘Tommies’ at St Pancras Station

In May 2018 I met with a friend at St Pancras Station. While I was waiting for him, I found these three unassuming spectral figures aligned in silent order on the International Grand Terrace. Their dignified presence prompted me to think about the pivotal role that St Pancras must have played during both World Wars I and II. I later discovered that the display of these modest Tommies forms part of the ‘There But Not There’ centenary campaign combined with a year of commemoration as St Pancras marks its 150th anniversary.

During WW1 St Pancras was part of the The Midland Railway Company (transporting goods, troops and ammunition) based in Derby, employing 66,839 people. It seems incredible that 21,941 of these employees enlisted to support the war effort and 2,833 of them lost their lives. Around 100 of those who died were based at St Pancras in WW1, with further fatalities caused by an air raid on the station on the night of 17 February 1918 when five bombs were dropped on or near the station killing 20 people and injuring a further 33. This was the greatest number of casualties suffered in an air raid on a London station during the war. Thousands of women stepped-in to important roles on the railways, replacing the men who were fighting on the battlefields.

These evocative six foot high statues were designed by Martin Barraud @martin_barraud and will leave the station this month, which I think is shame as they make an important, yet unobtrusive, invitation to thousands of International travelers to momentarily reflect on the horrors of war and the effort that humankind should make to eradicate all forms of war and violence.

Smaller 10” versions of the statues can be purchased from https://www.therebutnotthere.org.uk who donate the proceeds to The Royal Foundation, Walking With The Wounded, Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, The Commonwealth War Graves Foundation and Project Equinox.

@StPancrasInt @Remembered2018 remembered2018 HS1@clarioncomms.co.uk

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Photographer Helen Duvall

World War I Centenary 

Take time to reflect this Sunday on the deeds of others and hope for an end to all forms of war.

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Photographer Helen Duvall

German Pointers, Sandy Park Inn, Chagford, Devon

These two exceptionally fit German short-haired Pointers (GSP) were mesmerized by the moths which fluttered around the wall light in the doorway of The Sandy Park Inn, Chagford on a hot summer’s night. German pointers are a versatile and extremely agile breed of dog suitable for hunting on both land and water. They have webbed feet and are known for pursuing water fowl in rivers and lakes. This pair had long elegant muzzles which were also broad and strong, allowing them to retrieve larger game. Their deep brown eyes were particularly desirable, as their antics in the pub doorway were particularly amusing!