Photographers are selling prints to help children devastated by war

This week, the ongoing war escalated as Russian missile strikes targeted non-military sites in cities across Ukraine. Amid the harrowing footage broadcast in the wake of the attacks, an image of a children’s playground reduced to rubble was one of the many dreadful visions of devastation. 

“It was in Berlin that I was confronted first-hand by the exodus of women and children fleeing Ukraine disembarking from trains and onto the platform. There were so many children who would be profoundly affected for the rest of their lives. It really was the saddest thing I have ever witnessed, and I felt a desperate need to help,” recalls Nancy Rohde. Moved by what she’d seen firsthand in Germany, the stylist and creative consultant began thinking of ways she could help the children afflicted by war. 

After various conversations with friends and connections, Rohde joined forces with Artistry’s Elizabeth Norris to found Dust Off, a print sale dedicated to raising money for the War Child UK – a non-profit organisation that protects, advocates and stands up for the rights of children across the world who are suffering through conflict. 

Rhode recalls, “I thought about ways image makers could avail themselves and it was through conversations with fellow industry peers that Dust Off was initiated. We’ve been overwhelmed at the positive and generous response from the photographers, and we look forward to collectively being able to help the global humanitarian crisis via War Child.”

Zhong Lin, Venetia Scott, David Bailey, Carlijn Jacobs, Nadav Kander, Drew Vickers, Willy Vanderperre, Walter Pfeiffer and Tim Walker are among the high-profile photographers who have contributed work to the sale, which will run till November 30 2022. Each 8x11 inches print is unframed, printed on Hahnemühle Pearl 285gsm, for a price of £125.

“We are thrilled to be receiving this support from Dust Off, and all the incredible photographers taking part in this project,” says Rob Williams, CEO of War Child UK. “The money raised from each sale will go directly towards funding our life-changing work and will help us reach even more children who are living in conflict across the world, to give them a brighter and safer future.”

Take a look through the gallery above for a closer look at some of the prints available from Dust Off. 

Dust Off is happening in collaboration with John Gayner from INK Retouch and with support from Michael Nash Associates, Chroma Centre, and The Lab. Vist the Dust Off website to purchase your prints from now until November 30 2022