Last updated: 25 June 2023
Whether you love it or hate it, the beard is apparently here to stay. The last few years has seen the rebirth of facial hair. You can buy just about anything these days with a moustache on it, however the beard is a more defined, committed portrayal of masculinity.
Upon hearing of #Project60 and its feature of fellow Aussie, Jimmy Niggles, I took myself off to the exhibition at London’s Somerset House to see the beard revival for myself.
The exhibition focuses around a portrait series of photographs taken by Brock Elbank focusing on some of the finest beards around the world. There’s recognisable famous faces among the collection, as well as some everyday heroes rocking every variation from bushy to vandyke.
Evoked through Kick Starter, Beard Season & #Project60 found a large cult-like following around the globe to raise awareness in the fight against melanoma. As Aussies, we’re indoctrinated from birth with messages of slip slop slap to help drop the unfortunate trophy of having the highest incidence of melanoma in the world.
The loss of a young man, Wes Bonny, at age 26 to melanoma is how it all started. Jimmy would go out and meet someone who may/may not have a beard, and challenge them to have a skin check – posting a photo and tagging them so they can share it with their friends. He says passionately:
The more people I meet, the bigger our message becomes, and the more lives we save.
#Project60 aim is to spread the word. By inviting gentlemen (and facially gifted ladies also welcome) to grow their beards for Beard Season (aka winter), get a skin check, and become an ambassador in the fight against melanoma.
The Essentials
- Where: Somerset House, South Wing, London, WC2R 1LA
- When: 05 – 29 March 2015. Opening hours are 10.00-18.00 daily.
- Transport: Situated on the Strand you have access to more buses than you can poke a stick at. Look for bus stop S & R ‘Aldwych/Somerset House’. Nearest tube station is: Temple
- Cost: Free
- Get Involved: Saturday 14 March 2015, 12.00-15.00 – There’s a Build your own beard workshop with artist Gareth Owen-Lloyd.
Thursday 26 March 2015, 14.00-14.40 – A Grooming Parlour Talk how how to maintain your facial foliage in pristine condition. – Places limited
Spread the word. It’s a non-profit charity for a great cause. Take your pictures. Tag, Tweet and Like to your hearts/beards content. #BeardSeason.
More Information: Beard Season or @BEARD_SEASON
Are you a closet pogonophile? Strong feelings about beards?
Any experience with melanoma?
At last! The beard is back. My only fear is that it become overly trendy and goes the way of the soul patch. Long may it last.
I can’t believe I won’t get to see this! I am such a massive fan of the facial hair!
Well, I know that men with beards are very trendy these days. but I also know that a beard like the one in these pictures require years to grow and lots of maintenance.
I do love me a good beard! Somerset House does such interesting exhibitions. I think I’d spend a lot of time there if I lived in London.
Haha Chris you sure do love a beard! Somerset House is great, tale a leisurely stroll or people watch especially in summer, when they have the the fountains functioning.