A photography exhibition celebrating Devon’s Coronavirus champions.
Date of project: 2020-2021
About Lockdown Legends
During the first Covid-19 lockdown, RAMM invited members of the public to submit a portrait of their lockdown legend – a person who had gone above and beyond to help others during the pandemic – accompanied by no more than one hundred words describing why they deserved to be featured. The project was free to enter and open to all ages and abilities.
The project aimed to celebrate local people who had shown particular kindness, courage, humanity or ingenuity during the coronavirus pandemic. Lockdown Legends honoured those people and allowed those who were supported, or saw the lives of others improved, a chance to thank those individuals.
Images could be captured on phones or cameras. Each image was assessed on the emotion and experience it conveyed, rather than its technical expertise. A selection of shortlisted portraits featured in a photographic exhibition that captured the spirit of the region during lockdown.
By celebrating the resilience of the people of Devon who have helped the most vulnerable in our society during a time of uncertainty and anxiety, Lockdown Legends reminds us of our shared humanity, and highlights the importance of community.
Participants & partners
The nominations were reviewed by a panel which consisted of broadcaster and presenter Angela Rippon CBE, President of Exeter City Football Club Julian Tagg, Exeter City Councillor Amal Ghusain, and RAMM Museum Manager Camilla Hampshire.
Lockdown Legends was supported by Exeter City Council, Liveable Exeter, Arts Council England, Radio Exe, and Archant.
Feedback so far
“The entries demonstrated an incredible commitment to local communities. The Pandemic brought out the very best in people. Working in groups or individually, their big hearts and generous natures found ways of keeping their communities together, supported and entertained.”
– Angela Rippon
“These ‘legends’ show us that good communities are not something mythical, but are realised in citizens’ empathy, care, and good neighbour attitudes.”
– Cllr Amal Ghusain
“The truly inspiring stories we received celebrate the significant, and sometimes life-changing, contributions made by people, across Devon, during the lockdown period. RAMM is proud to capture this moment in the region’s history and to ensure a record is kept for future generations.”
– Camilla Hampshire
What next?
The exhibition was available to view online and in several locations such as Exeter Guildhall, Exeter Library, Exeter Princesshay, Powderham Castle, and Barnstaple Library.
Further information
Stephanie Cherrett
Public Programme Engagement Officer
[email protected]
