Week 12 - 2020
Frank Meadow Sutcliffe, Three Happy Boys, 1889. Preus Museum Collection
Happiness
Today we commemorate International Day of Happiness. Perhaps an odd concept during these times, or perhaps it has a greater meaning, now more than ever? According to the UN it’s the task of the nation to make sure its people live a decent and good life. In these days this task is put to the test. Nevertheless, can we use these difficult months as an opportunity to come closer with one another? To care for friendships (albeit at a distance of course), to help those who need it, and to accept help offered if we need it? To slow down our pace, and at the same time take care of nature and our surroundings?
A feeling of happiness washes over us when looking at these three boys laughing! Most likely they had their own woes and battles, but british photographer Frank Meadow Sutcliffe (1853-1941) captured them in a moment of utter joy. He is known for his pictures of the seaside town Whitby in England, and its surrounding areas. While earning a living as a portrait photographer he also photographed completely ordinary people whom he had relationships to around town. This enables us, on this Day of Happiness in 2020, to share a merry moment with three boys from the end of the 1800s.