Strange Face Project - a collaboration of music and photography
The Strange Face Project, a new photography exhibition in support of Nordoff Robbins, is the story of a lost Nick Drake recording and how the man who found it chose to share it in an extraordinary way.
Until 12th February 2012 the Ideas Gallery in Shoreditch will be presenting a unique set of photographs which depict the general public and celebrities listening to the rare Nick Drake 'Cello Song', inlcuding famous faces such as Billy Bragg, Martin Freeman, Noel Fielding, Richard E Grant, Jonathan Pryce, Fearne Cotton, Ross Noble and Paul Whitehouse.
"It was like the forest came to life and carried me about in a little silver papoose." Noel Fielding, comedian, actor.
In the 1970s, when working as a post-boy at Island Records, television composer Michael Burdett was asked to throw some tapes in a rubbish skip. Thinking he could use them in the studio he was setting up, he got permission to take them. One in particular caught his eye. "I picked it up because it had 'Nick Drake, Cello Song' and 'with love' written on the box. The words 'with love' made me think that it had to be Nick's handwriting and on that basis I couldn't let it go to the dump."
Michael then set off on his adventure. With a CD player and headphones in hand, he traveled the length and breadth of Britain with the aim of offering individuals an exclusive opportunity to hear the recording, photographing nearly 200 people.
"We are living in a world where recorded music is distributed so casually and freely it's almost lost its value. However, here was an opportunity to use a recording to create a very personal moment for a number of people and maybe give them an incredibly special memory." Michael Burdett.
Donations to Nordoff Robbins will be collected throughout the exhibition run and a percentage of sales will also be donated.
Do you have a unique fundraising idea? Get in touch with the team on 020 7428 9908 or fundraising@nordoff-robbins.org.uk to discuss your ideas. Alternatively have a look at our fundraising section to find inspiration.
