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WOODY IS CHOSEN AS A POSTER BOY OF MODERN BRITAIN

Twelve year old Woody is a poster boy for Portrait of Britain

Twelve year old Woody, the Down’s Syndrome son of Park Lane Stables founder Natalie O’Rourke, who is one of Brentford football club’s most famous fans has been selected as a ‘face’ of Britain in a new celebration of diversity.

His image was chosen by photographer Rory Langdon Down, whose great, great-grandfather was Dr John Langdon Down, who first classified Down’s Syndrome in 1862 and whose name is remembered by the Langdon Centre in Teddington and Normansfield Theatre.

Proud Natalie told Teddington Town: “We’re absolutely thrilled that a photo of Woody in his Brentford FC shirt has been selected as one of the winners of Portrait of Britain. So pleased for Rory Langdon Down who we were lucky enough to meet in Croydon one day last year.

She added: “Look out for our member Woody on billboards around the country!”

Photographer Rory told Teddington Town:

“Woody and I met whilst filming a football advertising campaign last summer. He was the talent in front of the camera, me very much behind the camera.
“We chatted over lunch with his mum Natalie and discovered that amongst many other interests, Woody attends classes with the Down’s Syndrome Association at the Langdon Down Centre in Teddington which is on the site of the former Normansfield Hospital where my great great grandfather, Dr John Langdon Down, did his pioneering work in discovering what later became known as Down’s Syndrome.
“Woody and I chatted football – he’s a huge Brentford fan and plays football for the Brentford Penguins – and gaming and we clicked quickly having a lovely day.
“Earlier in the day I’d seen the location for the portrait of Woody so after lunch I asked if we could pop into that courtyard where I’d set up the chair for Woody and make a photograph together.
“It was taken on a medium format film camera and the resulting image shows just a fleeting moment in our interaction.
“It’s wonderful that it has now been selected as a winner of Portrait of Britain and I’m excited to see it across the country on digital screens as well as in print in the press and the accompanying book.”

Now displayed nationwide across high streets, shopping centres, and transport hubs on the massive JCDecaux UK digital screens, the 100 winning images will be showcased until 2 February 2025.

Woody is a massive fan of Brentford and well-known to the manager and the players

In its eighth year, Portrait of Britain continues to celebrate the resilience, diversity, and spirit of people in the UK.

A spokesperson said: “This award reminds us of the extraordinary strength we share and the beauty in every person’s story. As we embrace change, these portraits encourage reflection, inspire hope, and highlight the unity and humanity that connect us all.”

Portrait of Britain is an annual photography award run by the British Journal of Photography, capturing the essence of the UK through portraiture, elevating voices from marginalised communities, and celebrating the resilience of a united, diverse nation.

Explore Portrait of Britain Vol. 7 to discover how this year’s photographers portray a country at the intersection of history and change, as a reminder of the power and strength in standing together.

 

 

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