photography


St ry behind the


picture Vigil for Sarah Everard, Clapham Common By Jess Hurd


The horrific killing of Sarah Everard, who was abducted while walking home, struck a chord with people across the nation. Although the police had banned the Clapham Common vigil, I went down


early afternoon to photograph the growing floral tributes. I was greeted at the tube station by a large group of anti-vaxxers


leafleting, which I thought odd. At the flower-laden bandstand, the atmosphere was hushed and respectful. Couples, individuals and families clutched their flowers and each other before moving forward to place their tributes, pay their respects and read the messages of condolence. One read: “For Sarah, you are in Londoners’ hearts. May your spirit be free.


We remember you, always” The collective association with the horror of the attack hung heavy in the


air. Many women were crying. I was very moved. As the sun, set a woman with her child moved through the crowd holding


a placard that read: “I need to be able to tell my children I did not stay silent.” The crowd seemed to grow organically; some joined to chant: “No justice, no peace.” A male anti-vaccine protester was shouted down when he tried to address


the crowd and police escorted him from the bandstand. I did not witness the violent arrests of women later but was horrified to see them on news reports. It was completely counter to the peaceful nature of the gathering I witnessed. As a woman said during the subsequent protests: “They even attack us while we grieve.”


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