JULIAN WYNTER
SNAPS
Julian Wynter
-
I’ve never really considered myself a photographer—more of an enthusiast with an obsession for expensive camera gear. My photos have rarely ventured beyond the walls of my study. But after years of gentle (and, at times, not-so-gentle) nudging from my friends and family, I’m finally sharing a selection.
These images don’t follow a specific narrative or hold any particular meaning; they are simply moments that caught my eye during the years I’ve been fortunate enough to live in or visit various places. But that’s beside the point. The pictures are just a hook.
Two years ago, my brother-in-law, Chris Middleton, passed away from Frontotemporal Dementia, a devastating illness that, as his daughter Julia so poignantly described, causes the patient to die not once but again and again. The family endures this agony for years
Chris was extraordinarily gifted and an exceptional journalist. He had a unique ability to observe the world through brilliant snapshots of writing, always resisting the pull of clickbait journalism. He was also, above all, the kindest of men.
These pictures are not for sale, but if anyone would like one, I’ll be happy to send it over after the exhibition, with the hope and understanding that a donation will be made to The National Brain Appeal. The charity aims to transform the lives of millions of people living with neurological and neuromuscular conditions. They drive advancement by funding pioneering research, innovative treatments and world-class facilities – over and above what the NHS can provide.
This exhibition is a small gesture of thanks to those who helped during Chris’ illness and to Chris himself—a way to honour Chris.
Julian Wynter, 2024
-
The National Brain Appeal transforms the lives of people with neurological conditions by raising vital funds for The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery and the UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology – together known as Queen Square. This is a world-leading centre for diagnosing and treating patients with neurological and neuromuscular conditions.
Our vision is to improve outcomes and quality of life for the one in six affected by a neurological condition. Since the charity was created 40 years ago, we have provided more than £50m in funding — raised through legacies, fundraisers, grantmaking trusts, companies and community groups — to support pioneering research projects, innovative treatments and world-class facilities.
-
Since 1994, we have funded Rare Dementia Support (RDS), a service offering specialist social, emotional and practical support services for individuals living with, or affected by, a rare dementia diagnosis. We have also funded the creation of UCL's Dementia Research Centre and are funding the creation of a world-first centre of excellence that will provide a physical home for RDS. The Rare Dementia Support Centre (RDSC) will be a pioneering space offering unprecedented support and advice designed by, with and for people with these conditions, and those who care for them.
Dementia is often associated with memory loss in older people but many rare forms of the condition affect people at a much younger age. They can cause problems with vision, language, behaviour and movement and have a devastating impact on people’s lives and families. Furthermore, traditional dementia support groups aren’t relevant to the age and interests of people affected by rare, genetic and young-onset dementias. RDS, therefore runs dedicated support groups for them, as well as providing access to research, training and advice from a specialist team of clinicians.
