Cat Tovell, who lives and works in Norwich, is part of the BOLD photographic project which highlights the beauty of those who have lost their hair due to treatment for cancer. To coincide with an exhibition taking place in London this week, she explains why she wanted to get involved
Who are you and what did you do?
My name is Cat Tovell, I live and work in Norwich, and I took part in a photographic project – BOLD – which was screened on the Piccadilly Lights in Piccadilly Circus, London, and in Times Square, New York, to mark World Cancer Day in February. It was organised by the Pink Ribbon Foundation in partnership with Think Pink Europe. The photos will also be on display in London from March 25-April 1 at The Sidings Waterloo, Waterloo Station, London SE1 7BH.
What has led you to getting involved with the BOLD Exhibition?
Last year I saw a post on Instagram, shared by a Norfolk charity that I volunteer for called Little Lifts, from the Pink Ribbon Foundation looking for women who have suffered hair loss as a result of cancer treatment to take part in the project. Maybe it was the effects of the chemotherapy treatment I was having at the time, but I thought it would be good to do something that pushed me outside my comfort zone, but also aims to change the way we look at women who’ve lost their hair.
What was your initial reaction when you were first approached?
I was honoured to be invited to take part, along with 12 other women from the UK. I’m not a fan of having my photo taken though, so I was a little nervous about how it would go.
What is the exhibition setting out to do – and who is behind it?
The BOLD Exhibition highlights the beauty of those who have lost their hair due to treatment for breast cancer. It was started by photographer Caroline Sikkenk, who wanted to show the different kind of beauty that emerges once the hair is gone. She has previously photographed women in other countries for it, and this was the first time she’d brought it to the UK.
How did it feel to stand in the middle of Piccadilly Circus and see your image up on the screen?
Amazing and surreal! When we had our photos taken back in September I don’t think any of us imagined they’d shown there. I’ve stood there many times, but never thought I’d be up on the screens myself.
And also to see that your image was being shown in Times Square in New York?
Just, wow wow wow! As with Piccadilly Circus, it’s so iconic.
How empowering has the whole process been?
Very. A lot is taken away from you when you’re undergoing cancer treatment, you can feel like you’re having to go along with it from one scan, test and decision to the next. But this has most definitely been a highlight, and something positive to come out of it. Meeting the legend that is Lisa Allen from the Pink Ribbon Foundation and the very talented Caroline, as well as the other beautiful and brave ladies involved, has been wonderful. Hopefully it will help other women going through treatment to feel confident in themselves and that they are not alone.
What would your ultimate message be to others?
Don’t let cancer define you and be everything, which I appreciate can be easier said than done when you’re going through it. It can feel relentless and all-consuming, but it can also give you new opportunities and positive experiences.
The Bold Exhibition, at The Sidings Waterloo, Waterloo Station, London SE1 7BH, takes place from Monday March 25 to Monday April 1, 2024. Free public viewing. Visit thesidingswaterloo.co.uk, The Pink Ribbon Foundation and thinkpinkeurope.org.
Both featured images taken by Caroline Sikkenk/Photoline
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