When the concept for a photographic study was first born, the brief was to identify individuals suffering with varying forms of scleroderma across the UK.

 

It was important to TVP to demonstrate that scleroderma is a disease is in indiscriminate. Not only is it indiscriminate, but it is also not ageist, it isn’t prejudice, and it isn’t sexist.

With the assistance of SRUK, models were found across the UK and travelled from as far North as Yorkshire, and as far south a Brighton. And from as far west as Swansea and as far east as Norwich. The photo shoots were all held in a London studio and all models were compensated for any expenses.

 

As per the original brief, it was important to capture individuals from all ethnicities and an equal balance in genders and age groups but we soon discovered that this disease is more prevalent in women which is why so many females are featured.

 

One striking commonality that came across when talking to the subjects was that this disease is not only hugely misunderstood by the medical profession but also easy to mis- diagnose. This could be why so many women seem to be suffering with the disease as it is a well-known fact that men tend not to seek medical assistance until their health is seriously compromised so it could be the case that there are many men suffering with this disease unknowingly.