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Prince William turns photographer to raise awareness of homelessness

19th February 2010

Prince William has turned both photographer and subject in a unique project aimed at raising awareness of homelessness in the UK.

A new photograph in the form of a diptych – two images which always appear together – features Prince William and Jeff Hubbard, a formerly homeless man and client of Crisis, the homelessness charity.

The diptych comprises a new portrait of Prince William taken by Jeff Hubbard, together with an image of Jeff, taken by Prince William.

The photographs, which were taken under the creative guidance of leading photographer Rankin, mark the first time that a Royal portrait has been taken by a member of the public.

Watch the video below:

It is also the first time a photograph taken by Prince William will be placed on public display as it will feature in A Positive View 2010, a photography exhibition of which Prince William is Patron.

The Prince has a long-standing interest in homelessness, and visited homeless centres with his mother and brother Prince Harry as a child.

In December 2009 Prince William spent a night on the streets with youth homelessness charity Centrepoint, of which he is Patron.

Prince William said: “The diptych that I have created with Jeff Hubbard, under Rankin’s inspirational guidance, is a reminder of the way in which all of us – whatever path our lives have taken – are ultimately neighbours and share a common bond.

“Jeff’s experience of homelessness was an isolating and traumatic one. But now with the help of Crisis, his life has hope and purpose again.”

Jeff became homeless in 2007 after a mental and emotional breakdown. It was the culmination of disappointments he had experienced in his life including a failed marriage and businesses going bankrupt.

It was only after coming to Crisis’ education, training and employment centre in East London, where he took part in a range of workshops, including art and photography, that his life began to change and he found a flat through a generous landlord.

Recognising his talent for photography, Crisis invited Jeff to participate in the creation of the photographs.

Jeff said: “Creating the diptych with Prince William was a little nerve-wracking at first but I soon relaxed. After all how often do you get the chance to photograph a prince?

“Working with Rankin in the run-up to the shoot really helped me develop my skills and confidence as a photographer, which was a real privilege.

“The end result is unique. Auctioning the image will raise vital funds for Crisis – and I know from personal experience just how important the work they do is.”

A Positive View 2010, which is taking place at Somerset House from 10th March to 5th April, will bring together more than 100 rare and signed vintage works across almost a century of photography; classic and contemporary works will cross a variety of genres, from still-life, fashion, landscape, portraiture and reportage.

It will also include other works by Jeff Hubbard and members of the photography group at Crisis and be followed by a reception and auction at Christie’s where the diptych and other works will be auctioned.

View the gallery to see pictures from the photo shoot and the final diptych.