In St Peter’s Square, an “army” of survivors defiantly stare, unafraid to meet the eyes of passers-by. They are only portraits, of course, but their presence is powerful and commands attention - from the city, and from the people in it.
It’s these portraits, and the extraordinary people behind them, that the Duchess of Cornwall came to visit at Manchester Central Library this morning, Tuesday, May 5.
The portraits are part of the ‘I Am’ project, shot by acclaimed photographer Allie Crewe and commissioned by SICK! Festival, which are set to be displayed in Metrolink stations across Greater Manchester throughout May. They feature people who have experienced Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in their lifetimes, and who are speaking out to raise awareness of the impact of all different types of domestic abuse.
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The Duchess, who is a patron of domestic abuse Safe Lives, came to Manchester to address these participants and see the exhibition, which she described as “extraordinary, and profoundly touching,“ standing proudly in the heart of the city.
Upon arrival, she was greeted by the High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, representatives from Sick! Festival and domestic violence charity Safe Lives, and those who had participated in the project themselves.
As she was guided around the 12 portraits, she stopped to take in each one individually while in conversation with survivors and the woman behind the camera, Allie Crewe.
“I felt a bit faint and nervous at first,” Crewe, who is from Manchester, told the Manchester Evening News . “But then we walked around and looked at the portraits and she was so lovely!”
She described the experience of having her photographs displayed so prominently in her hometown as “overwhelming,” but hopes the project will grow and expand into other cities across the country.
The Duchess of Cornwall then headed into a reception inside Central Library, where she greeted nine of the participants photographed by Crewe.
Amira Taha, who experienced domestic abuse from a former partner, said that meeting the Duchess was a big moment.
“You always have this image about people… but I just saw a lovely woman in front of me talking about something important to me,” she said. “I am very happy that she is here.”
The morning was also significant, as it was the first time all the participants of the ‘I Am’ project had come together in person.
“It makes me realise I am not alone,” Amira said. “I am making a change.”
Chief Inspector Sharon Baker is another participant in the project, who is now professional standards and domestic abuse lead at Avon and Somerset Police. As someone who has experienced IPV herself, she said she found it much easier to see the bravery and courage in the project’s other participants than she did in herself.
Baker said that Camilla was “lovely,” and her interest and passion for supporting survivors of domestic abuse was “really authentic”.
The Duchess addressed the whole reception in a speech, where she highlighted the stark numbers of people who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse.
“In the last 12 months, 1 in 20 people have experienced such abuse in England and Wales: a 6% increase in reported incidents,” she said.
“Globally, almost one third of women aged 15-49 have been subjected to some form of physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner.”
The Duchess described the portraits as “both incredibly moving and inspiring,” and said she was “honoured” to launch the exhibition in conjunction with SICK! Festival and Safe Lives.
Helen Medland, CEO and artistic director of SICK! Festival wanted the portraits to be displayed like an “army” of strong, defiant people, sharing their stories with the city. They are striking in St Peter’s Square, framed entirely in black, with anonymous quotes about the impact of IPV inscribed on the back.
Joni, who lives in Fallowfield and was also photographed as part of the project, told the M.E.N that Camilla’s visit was “affirming and empowering”.
“You’ve got to stand up,” she said. “You’ve got to do it. If not now, when? That’s why I’m doing this.”
She described the moment she first saw the portrait of her that Crewe had selected, as part of a feature in a national newspaper.
“It was quite haunting,” she said. “They are really quite powerful. When I saw it I had to take a moment.”
The Duchess concluded her speech by wishing the exhibition and its participants well, and expressing her desires for domestic abuse to be condemned to the history books.
“I wish it, and all the survivors who are gathered here every possible success,” she said. “Together, we seek to end domestic abuse forever.”
Allie Crewe’s ‘I Am’ project will be displayed across Metrolink stations until May 31, as part of SICK! Festival, which explores physical and mental health through the arts.
