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In Pictures

Coronavirus: All dressed up and nowhere to go

• 7 May 2020
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Related Topics
• Coronavirus pandemic
• Image copyright Robin Sinha
As people across the UK continue to live in isolation we are all missing out on meeting up with friends,
going for a meal or to the cinema, so photographer Robin Sinha asked his neighbours to pose on their
doorsteps dressed as if ready for a night out.
"I was already shooting a series of images regarding my own isolation experience but having seen
some doorstep projects from around the world, I felt inspired to approach (at a safe distance) my local
neighbourhood," says Sinha.
"When my wife and I moved to Walthamstow a couple of years ago, it was immediately apparent to us
that our street had a strong sense of community spirit. Lockdown has only strengthened this spirit and
there has been a genuine feeling of concern for one another.
Image copyright Robin Sinha Image caption Claire, Tom, Hazel and Bea: "After spending the whole
morning in an elaborate witch outfit, our eldest child swapped it for PJs a second before the photo."
Image copyright Robin Sinha Image caption Mohammed, Iqbal, Omar, Salma, Eesa and Hannah: "We
all got dressed up as if we were celebrating Eid."
"Messages have been flowing thick and fast on the street's WhatsApp group with offers of food shops,
sharing crafts to keep children entertained, and information about how to support the NHS.
"I wanted to differentiate my project from others I'd seen and somehow make it more collaborative.
"I finally came up with the working title of, All dressed up and nowhere to go. With pyjamas and
tracksuits becoming the lockdown look, I wondered whether people might enjoy putting on their
'Sunday best' and imagining they had a special occasion to attend.
Image copyright Robin Sinha Image caption Michaela and Dameer: "Just a dress I was supposed to
wear for a friend's birthday party that I haven't been brave enough to wear until today. We're looking
forward to celebrating Dameer's birthday. He's been through a lot."
"The response was overwhelmingly positive, and it wasn't long before I had 30 houses in my diary.
"I'm hoping the project will bring the street's residents even closer, and I've begun to explore the idea of
a local exhibition to raise funds for the NHS."
Here is a selection of pictures from the project:
Image copyright Robin Sinha Image caption Helen, Matt, Rafe and Arlo: "We are all dressed up for
Arlo's third birthday party, which sadly had to be cancelled (well not really cancelled but it only had
four guests)." Image copyright Robin Sinha Image caption Claudia, Sam & Eric: "The story behind my
outfit? What can I fit into five months pregnant?" Image copyright Robin Sinha Image caption Mel:
"This is the dress I wore as celebrant for a friend's wedding in France last year. Pineapple… symbolises
friendship and hospitality." Image copyright Robin Sinah Image caption Izzie, Alex and Dylan: "Alex
is wearing his wedding outfit. Mine and Dylan's were outfits we'd worn at another wedding. We would
have liked to have been getting dressed up for Dylan's first birthday." Image copyright Robin Sinha
Image caption Louise, Chris, Rory and Aidan: "We would love to have been getting ready for a
celebration with friends and their children, preferably with good food and plenty of drinks." Image
copyright Robin Sinha Image caption Ed and Sian: "We dressed up as our favourite - the flappers - to
recreate a speakeasy in our front room." Image copyright Robin Sinha Image caption Jean and David:
"We chose to wear the outfits we wore for my daughter's wedding in Indonesia. David's suit was
specially made in Hong Kong." Image copyright Robin Sinha Image caption Gerry and Mike: "We're
just wearing clothes we wore for a family wedding in the New Forest last summer. We would have
liked to go on a similar event this year, as Mike has extended family down there." Image copyright
Robin Sinha Image caption Jade and Esme with dogs, Winnifred and Rogan: "The dresses were the
only ones we had that matched the colour of our front door which wasn't in the frame in the end."
You can see more of Robin Sinha's work on his website and Instagram.

Related Topics
• Coronavirus lockdown measures
• Coronavirus pandemic
• Photography
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