Photo of tattoo artist with his gran wins award

A photographer who happened upon a young tattoo artist walking with his grandmother persuaded them to pose for a portrait that has gone on to win an award.

Tom Barrett took the photo of Adam and Janet Perry after crossing paths with them at Norwich market.

After taking a casual street shot, he organised a more formal shoot and the photo became one of many winners in the Portrait of Britain competition.

Janet, 88, said: "I never thought at my time of life that I would be involved in something so lovely with my grandson, who has always looked after me and made sure I'm all right."

Tom said he was "struck by how different they looked", particularly due to Adam's tattoos.

"He was quite modern looking, while she was your classic lovely nan wearing a smart coat, buttoned up," he said.

The competition, organised by the British Journal of Photography, celebrates "identity" and "the diversity of a changing nation".

Tom felt the pair would be ideal candidates.

"I'd been toying with entering this competition – it's a wonderful cultural snapshot of all the differences that make up British life," he said.

They ended up at Janet's home, sharing stories and having tea.

"Adam's nan was so proud of his work. She talked about how she would have liked to have tattoos, but felt she was too old," said the photographer.

"I asked Adam if I could see his other tattoos and he took his shirt off.

"You have a photographer's instinct – you're looking for layers of depth to an image."

Tom said he was inspired by the "genuine example of a family bond" between the pair.

"He is her rock - he lives a few doors away, he takes her out for tea once a week. It's what we should all be doing."

Adam, 33, said it had been "absolutely lovely" to feature in Portrait of Britain with Janet.

"It's been really nice to put out that sort of message," he said.

"There's sometimes a misconception of people with tattoos that we're not very nice.

"Even if it encourages one other person to take time out and spend time with their grandmother, it's a job well done."

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