News
Prince William visits the exhibition A Positive View 2010 in aid of Crisis
15th April 2010
Prince William attended an exhibition which included a photograph taken by himself at a fundraising auction for homelessness charity Crisis this evening.
Earlier this year, Prince William and former homeless man Jeff Hubbard took photographs of each other, under the guidance of reknowned photographer Rankin.
The end result was a diptych, two pictures which will always be seen side by side, which was auctioned off this evening for £24,000.
The event was organised to raise money for Crisis which supports single homeless people and aims to end homeless by providing life-changing services and campaigning for change.
The diptych was the centrepiece of a photographic exhibition titled A Positive View 2010, of which Prince William is Patron.
Prince William has taken a keen interest in the problem of homelessness for many years, since he and his brother Prince Harry were taken to homeless centres by his mother Diana, Princess of Wales as children.
Prince William’s fellow photographer and subject was Jeff Hubbard, 54, a former homeless man who turned his life around and later took up photography after attending workshops run by Crisis.
Prince William also took pictures of the ex-rough sleeper under the tuition of celebrity photographer Rankin when the pair met in the professional's studio in London in January.
Speaking before the auction, Prince William told supporters of the charity gathered in Christie's sales rooms near St James's in Central London: "I would just like to thank all the marvellous photographers, who have so generously donated their art to be auctioned here tonight - it really is a wonderful gesture.
"You might also have noticed another piece of work here by two lesser known photographers - one of whom I suspect will go on to have a more eminent career in photography than the other. Well done, Jeff - I know when I'm beaten."
Referring to his darker than usual hair in the photograph, Prince William said: “However Jeff, it was such fun working with you under the master that is Rankin, thank you Rankin - especially for the mop of black hair!"