Description
Those returning home from war zones carry both mental and physical scars, facing extensive recuperation periods. Rankin photographed a collection of stark portraits, stripping away stigma by focusing on these men and women’s faces and personalities which were then published in the For Queen and Country book. The specially designed, limited edition book is made up of portraits of wounded British armed forces personnel and veterans who have suffered physical or mental damage either during their service or afterwards. It will raise funds - as well as awareness - for Coming Home, the fundraising campaign for the Haig Housing Trust, a charity which buys and adapts housing for serviceman and women.
“It is impossible to even begin to comprehend what these men and women have been through, both in theatres of war and their extensive recuperation periods. It made their bravery and zest for life all the more humbling. I made a conscious decision to photograph them against a white background with the focus on their faces – I wanted to strip away the stigma and show them as real people.” - Rankin discussing the project in 2016.
The For Queen and Country series was then exhibited at the Motor Village Gallery in Marylebone, London in 2016 as a group exhibition, showcasing other well known military artist’s work.