Digital photograph of an illuminated 'stay home and protect lives' sign next to a bus.

Date14 June 2020

Object Namedigital photograph

Mediumdigital file (jpg)

ClassificationsBorn Digital

DimensionsDigital Resolution (Width x Height): 4895 × 3268 pixels

AcquisitionPresented in 2021 by Paul Nicol.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDMS095634.1

Keywords

About MeDuring the first Covid-19 pandemic lockdown, Paul Nicol embarked on a photographic exploration of the signs he saw in the environment around him in the village of Peterculter near Aberdeen. He walked around the village looking for signs of humans, spirit and the coping mechanisms used during the pandemic.

This photo was the first one he took during these walks and he was drawn to the Covid Illuminated sign on the edge of the village. The context of the image plays with the message of ‘Stay Home Protect NHS Save lives’ and the fact the night bus was still running which indicates that not everyone had the opportunity to do this. These people included bus drivers, passengers (who could be key NHS workers), carers and shop workers – the unsung heroes who had no choice but to keep working for the greater good of society.