In March of last year, the BREAKING THE STEREOTYPE project reached a significant milestone when it was displayed at John Lewis in High Wycombe. This wasn’t just any exhibition; it was a deeply personal and impactful event for me, and it marked a full-circle moment in the journey of the project. The exhibition was prominently featured in the main entrance of the store, ensuring that every visitor who walked through the doors was greeted with the powerful images that challenged their perceptions of homelessness.
The location within John Lewis couldn’t have been more fitting. This store, a central hub in High Wycombe, is a place where the community comes together, making it the perfect venue to showcase work that seeks to shift the conversation around homelessness. For me, returning to High Wycombe, where I had once been homeless, and having my work displayed in such a prominent location was both humbling and empowering. It was a tangible representation of how far I had come, and it served as a testament to the resilience of those who continue to fight their way out of homelessness.
The exhibition featured a series of twenty carefully selected images, each telling a story that went beyond the typical narrative of homelessness. The goal was to challenge the stereotypical views that many hold—views that are often shaped by the small percentage of homeless individuals who are visible on the streets. These images were designed to provoke thought, to make viewers question their assumptions, and to encourage them to see the humanity in each person, regardless of their circumstances.
The response to the exhibition was overwhelming. The placement in the main entrance of John Lewis meant that these stories were seen by a wide and diverse audience. People from all walks of life—shoppers, employees, and visitors—paused to engage with the photographs, many of them taking the time to reflect on what they were seeing. The interest it generated was more than I could have hoped for. Conversations sparked by the images led to a deeper understanding of the complexities of homelessness, and for many, it was the first time they had considered the issue in such a personal way.
Throughout the weeks that the exhibition was on display, I received a wealth of feedback from viewers. Many expressed a newfound awareness and empathy, acknowledging that the project had opened their eyes to the realities of homelessness beyond the stereotypes. This was the impact I had hoped for—to use photography as a tool for education and change, to move people to see beyond the visible 1% and consider the hidden 99% who live with the constant uncertainty of temporary accommodation or who struggle to find a place they can call home.
For me, seeing the project displayed in such a prominent, respected space was a profound experience. It was not just about showing my work, but about giving a voice to those who are often unseen and unheard. The exhibition became a platform for these stories to be told, for these faces to be seen, and for the conversation around homelessness to be shifted in a more compassionate direction.
Looking back, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have shared these stories with the people of High Wycombe. The exhibition at John Lewis played a crucial role in bringing the project’s message to life, reaching people who might not otherwise have engaged with the subject. It reinforced the power of art to challenge perceptions, to foster empathy, and to drive social change. I hope that the impact of this exhibition continues to resonate, encouraging others to look beyond the stereotypes and see the humanity in everyone, regardless of their circumstances.
