Celebrating recovery through a lens

 

On 3 June, Chester Picturehouse hosted the launch of Beauty in the Everyday, a powerful photography exhibition created by people in recovery at local drug and alcohol support service, Via – New Beginnings, Cheshire West & Chester. 

The exhibition brought together participants, their families, staff, local partners, and professionals from the wider community to reflect on recovery, creativity, and the beauty found in everyday moments. The showcased work is the result of weeks of collaboration and storytelling through photography — a medium that provided space for reflection, connection, and growth. 

The evening featured inspiring speeches, including a personal story from a peer mentor, followed by a vibrant performance from Fallen Angels dance group. Attendees then had the opportunity to view the exhibition up close. 

Beauty in the Everyday is part of a Via project led by photographer Jason Kelvin. Previous exhibitions have taken place at Via services in the London Borough of Redbridge and at residential detox and rehab, Passmores House in Essex, each time showcasing the voices and visions of people in recovery across different services. 

Lisa, who took part in the project, shared her experience:

“I wasn’t sure what to expect embarking on this project. I thought it would be a great way to rediscover my creativity. It has challenged me to stop hiding my shadows and embrace them, as they are part of who I am and what makes me, me.” 

Steve, another contributor, said:

“Instead of walking past the everyday, I now stop and pause to take in the beauty around. Capturing it inspires me to create. The project also brings me a calmness of mind, a great feeling of achievement, and the chance to make good friends.” 

Photographer and project lead, Jason Kelvin, shared:

“It’s been a real pleasure working once again on the Via photography project, ‘Beauty in the Everyday.’ The staff and clients in Cheshire West and Chester have been incredibly warm and kind. Once again, I’m hugely overwhelmed by the absolute genius, beauty, and creativity of their photography. 

As a recovering addict and alcoholic myself, I really feel that the times we’ve worked together—printing and framing the photos—have enhanced my connection with others and prevented me from feeling isolated. I’m so happy that I’ve been given this opportunity once again.” 

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health) said:

“This exhibition is amazing, really inspirational, and you can see all the hard work and passion that’s gone into it. We want residents in our borough to flourish, be happy and healthy, and to live in supportive communities – something that was 100 percent evident through this project.” 

Anna Whitton, CEO of Via, said: 

“Beauty in the Everyday puts the right people at the very heart of the project. It brilliantly documents beauty in the everyday and celebrates connections to the world that we live in. The project has been and continues to be thought-provoking and inspiring. It should make us all stop and reflect on what is possible.” 

Dave Targett, Area Director for Cheshire West and Chester, said: 

“People often see recovery as just removing what’s harmful, but it’s just as much about building something hopeful. It’s not only about letting go, but also about what we grow into. This project captures that. It’s honest, creative, and rooted in everyday life. You’ve shown what recovery can look like when we focus on the whole journey, person and future.”