Death is a part of living but a fear of many

By Honor Smith

‘Death is a part of living but a fear of many’ is a self-initiated project and residency in the photographer’s grandmothers care home, Ash Lodge, Smethwick. Over weekly visits, documentary photographer Honor Smith captured life in the care home whilst recording conversations with nurses and staff members as a way of sharing their experiences working with residents nearing the end of their lives.

The project came about through the photographer’s own need to overcome fear of loss and grief visiting her grandmother. From personal experience, she sympathises with the anxiety that can come with leaving a loved one in an unfamiliar environment, however the work and care she experienced over the course of the residency provided a new perspective.

Whilst understanding the importance of an ethical approach and the nature of the workplace, Smith offers a broad and visually rich insight within Ash Lodge of staff and residents, all of whom are bonded by the natural course of life.

The exhibition alongside the book invites the audience to reflect on their own thoughts and feelings towards care homes and the ageing and dying process. It encourages you to face these topics and consider; What do you think about care homes? Have you ever been to one? What was your experience like? Does the thought of care scare you? How would you feel about living in a care home one day?

Honor Smith