Shaun Bloodworth’s years as a professional photographer have seen him take portraits of everyone from John Simpson to John Shuttleworth, plus many familiar faces from Sheffield’s creative scene. Meanwhile his interest in underground music has seen him regularly collaborate with Mary Anne Hobbs on images that have been seen around the globe. With work featuring in the National Portrait Gallery’s collections and a move into filmmaking, Shaun has had a massive impact on how Sheffield is seen both within the city and around the world. All this talent, and one of the nicest men you’ll ever meet too.
Shaun is ill. He’s been in the Northern General Hospital for almost 4 months now, waiting for a liver transplant. He’s also suffered an infection that led to him having his lower leg amputated. His transplant is now imminent, but it’s becoming critical that he receives a new liver soon.
Shaun is self-employed, so this enforced and lengthy stay in hospital is making a shitty situation even shittier. We want to create something positive for Shaun and his family at this awful time.
Friends of Shaun are holding a fundraising night at the Forum on Devonshire Street on September 1st, 7pm-2am. There’ll be dancing, laughing and boozing. Martin Simpson will play a live set, while Pete McKee, The Black Dog, Chris Smith, Pipes, Kid Acne, Oris Jay, and Pho-Ku Sound System will be spinning tunes. There’ll be raffle prizes from Warp Records, Kid Acne, The Black Dog, CPU Records and loads more. Shaun’s London pals won’t miss out either: on 15 September, Mary Anne Hobbs is curating a series of club nights with some of Shaun’s good friends from Bleep, Boiler Room, GiveUpArt and RinseFM – location details to follow.
We’re also be holding an eBay auction of fantastic stuff donated by some of Shaun’s creative chums – start bidding! And look out for news of an intimate fundraising evening with John Shuttleworth coming soon.
All money raised from the events in Sheffield and London, the raffle and auction will be donated to Shaun and his family to make this most difficult of times a little bit easier, and to show our love and support. Visit the eBay auction. Written by Claire Thornley; August 11, 2016
Photos: Shaun Bloodworth (Stabby Women collaborative series, 2011 – 2012)