Beyond the Lines

As older people, we can begin to feel unseen, forgotten, undervalued, in the way, a burden or simply irrelevant. Society turns its gaze away from age, and negative stereotypes abound. Our photos invite you to look beyond and behind the lines on our faces and see that we are still: connected, relevant, purposeful, powerful, passionate, funny, creative and continuing to learn and grow. We are individuals with a future, a rich life story and wisdom to be passed down.

**Shirley, aged 90, photographed by June, aged 78**
Shirley had a career as a Tiller Girl, performing as a dancer at the London Palladium alongside some of the greatest entertainers of her time. Her stories are full of glamour and grit. Her legs, she says with a wry smile, “don’t work like they used to,” but her mind and wit are still laser sharp.

We are all guests at ‘In Jolly Good Company’ groups, we used a portable studio lighting kit, to create black and white digital portraits of each other that capture us in playful, thoughtful and deeply personal moments. Some props or costumes were used to reflect something of our personalities, a chapter from our lives or our humour. Every picture is a conversation between the guest behind the camera and the guest in front of it.

Having a photo taken by a friend, helped us to relax and be our true selves in front of the lens. It is always fascinating and often surprising to see ourselves as others see us, which is so different from what we see in the mirror.

We chose black and white so you can clearly see us, without distraction. The colour, we feel, shines from our personalities.

All Beyond The Lines images were captured during creative workshops run at ‘In Jolly Good Company’ activity sessions, these sessions are for older people in Dorset. In Jolly Good Company is a dementia friendly charity, open to all.

In Jolly Good Company would like to thank all funders, donors and supporters who make our vital work possible. We would particularly like to thank Dorset Council for supporting Beyond The Lines photography project and exhibitions.