When Robert Kirkland (http://www.bandk.co.uk/ Bowmer & Kirkland Ltd) came to the Mackney commercial studios for his recent sitting with Simon for the Art of Industry exhibition https://www.derbymuseums.org/whats-on/the-art-of-industry-from-joseph-wright-to-the-21st-century , it took no time at all for them to recognise each other and how they had first met due to The Prince’s Trust over 15 years ago…
Simon was successful in applying for a grant from The Prince’s Trust to develop his business, then in its infancy. With the grant and match funding from the bank, the Trust helped Simon purchase his first DSLR camera, a set of studio lights and travel pack for location lighting.
It was Robert Kirkland who was the then Chairman of The Prince’s Trust, Derbyshire, and who helped Simon on his way in his professional career; today employing over 15 people in two contemporary photography studios located in Darley Abbey, Derby http://www.mackney.com/ .
Simon and Robert had not seen each other until the request came to Robert to pose as Sir Richard Arkwright in a modern take on the iconic Joseph Wright painting, which is currently being displayed in Derby’s Museum and Art Gallery.
Robert says: ‘I am delighted to see what progress Simon has made; Mackney Photography is now a state of art photography studio in a historic mills setting, with a large team working for Simon and producing excellent work.’
Simon comments: ‘It was really special to see Robert again after all these years and to work with him on the recent project. The Prince’s Trust funding really helped me establish my dream of a business in professional photography. The money helped me purchase ‘proper’ kit and inspired me to get out there and show my portfolio, which eventually led me to setting up a portrait business and on to the commercial and portrait business we have today.’
