Forget the handlebars and Fu Manchus and move over Movember; winter might be over, but Beard Season lives on! In collaboration with the world’s sexiest bearded man Jimmy Niggles, photographer Mr Elbank’s #Project60 aims to indulge all our facial hair fantasies as well as raise awareness of skin cancer, a preventable disease. After his close friend passed away from skin cancer in 2009, at age 26, Jimmy and some mates started growing their beards as a conversation starter. If you came to ask Jimmy Niggles about his beard you’d get lucky in more ways than one, and his inbox has been flooded with grateful messages from people who had received early diagnoses after being inspired to have life-saving skin checks.
Project60 came about when Mr Elbank heard about Jimmy’s cause and he invited 60 bearded people (out of 1200 applicants) to sit for a portrait taken by him. From John Hurt and Ricki Hall to Harnaam Kaur, the British woman who was diagnosed with polycystic syndrome and has been growing her beard since the age of 16, Mr Elbank has collated the best beards in the world into one room at Somerset House. We asked Mr Elbank about the art of grooming…
How did you meet Jimmy Niggles?
Jimmy Niggles and I met through a mutual friend’s Facebook page.
Beards have become a lot more popular in recent years – do you think there could ever be too many and they’ll go out of fashion?
Beards have become mainstream now, but 8-10 years ago whilst I was still living in Sydney, they were few and far between. If I’d attempted to do this entire series back then, it would’ve been more of a challenge. Fashions always come and go, so I’d say they’ll fade at some point from being as popular as currently are. That’s why this exhibition is so timely.
Who’s got the most impressive beard you’ve ever seen?
Todd Richardson, it was like a women’s head of hair stuck to his face!
Did you grow your facial hair for beard season? If so, did it work as a conversation starter?
I’ve had beards on and off for 20 years, as I lack any kind of hair on top of my head. To many people’s surprise, I don’t currently have a beard, but they do tend to be a conversation starter one way, or another.
What’s your top beard grooming tip?
Don’t shave. And wash it regularly.
Beard is open 5th – 29th March at Terrace Rooms, Somerset House.
Credits
Photography Mr Elbank