First exhibition from Joe Lycett's tour manager Harry Griffin

An exhibition featuring photographs of some of the UK’s top comedians will open in Sunderland later this month.

My Name Is Harry, These Are My Pictures And They Are Nice, is the first gallery exhibition from Harry Griffin – with some of the images taken during his time as Joe Lycett’s tour manager, 

Other comics and performers featured in the show – which will comprise hundreds of photographs –  include  Phil Wang, Nina Conti, Elis James and Matt Chorley.

'Fringe McCardigan' [Tom Ward] stage wing, Tyne Theatre & Opera House, Newcastle, UK, 2022

The images, all shot on film, will go on display at both Northern Gallery for Contemporary Art (NGCA) and Pop Recs in Sunderland.

Jon Weston, curator of NGCA, said: ‘The close personal photos capture a vibrant comedy scene consistently pushing the boundaries and addressing important political and social issues both on and off-stage.

‘This is seen in a selection of photographs taken at a Pride event organised for Joe Lycett’s comedy tour in 2023. The photographs demonstrate how humour, creativity, performance and freedom of expression connect across society.

 '​Glamour Nana' [Barbara Nice] Queen's Heath Pride, Birmingham, June 2024

‘Several of the stories contained within the photographs are illuminated through a newly commissioned interview film between Harry Griffin and Joe Lycett where they share their close friendship, touring experiences and favourite service stations.

‘Harry’s photography also moves beyond the stage and green rooms, to capture the particularities of human nature, good old British wit and urban landscapes. The photographs reveal a sharp eye for composition and a warmth and tenderness achieved through Harry’s reassuring lens.’

How long have you been together?, Becky Lucas, Auckland, New Zealand, 2023

Gabrielle Barkess-Kerr, co-curator of the exhibition,  added: ‘It’s been a joy to work with Harry and Jon to tell the stories of people and spaces behind the scenes, predominantly in the comedy sphere.

‘With a focus on the quirks within his daily life and the personal relationships formed along the way, Harry captures the humour, friendship, fame and tedium felt during days off and on the road. In candid moments that bring to life the social and cultural scene of the UK and beyond, Harry provides an insight into behind-the-scene worlds that we would not ordinarily be privy to.’

Catherine [Bohart], Palace Theatre, Manchester, UK, 2022

And Lycett said: "Harry takes nice photos and some of those nice photos are nice photos of me. Some of them are not so nice photos of me but I don’t mind because I’m not always nice.’

The displays run from Saturday, November 23 to Saturday, March 2.

Brennan [Reece], Joe and Bingo [an illustrator and artist], Manchester, July 2022

Published: 6 Nov 2024