Masked by Joanna Vestey

A series of limited-edition portraits created for an art therapy charity.

Taken before the latest UK lockdown restrictions, Masked is a special photo series created for a good cause. Award-winning photographer Joanna Vestey made the limited-edition portraits for art therapy charity AT The Bus. Based in London and Oxfordshire, the charity uses a double-decker red bus to bring bespoke therapeutic studios to school grounds. They run art-centered sessions for young people aged between 7 and 18, providing them with education, health, and well-being support. Their mission became even more important during the pandemic. In the Masked series, Joanna Vestey captured the portraits of well-known figures as they wear their masks. The 24 portraits include names from the art, entertainment, and literary worlds as well as from law, education, and other industries.

Even with masked faces, eagle-eyed viewers can probably recognize some of the subjects that include artist Grayson Perry, actress and comedian Dawn French, and fashion designer Zandra Rhodes. The series also includes portraits of designer Camille Walala, artist Jenny Saville, and writer Philip Pullman. The limited-edition photos come as 28 x 34 cm prints, signed and authenticated by the photographer. Limited to only 50 pieces each, they have a price of £150, or around $200. A boxed set collection with all 24 portraits is also available. With this series, the charity aims to raise £150,000 to deliver 5000 hours of art therapy to children and adolescents in London and Oxfordshire. Photographs© Joanna Vestey.