Epson Press Release 30/06/04

100 days in the life of the UK’s most typical family?

July 19th sees the launch of ‘EPSON UK LIFE’, a unique photographic exhibition portraying a 100 days in the life of the UK’s most typical family.? The exhibition is a photo-documentary of the Wants and their day to day lives as a ‘real life’ British family. Visitors to the exhibition will be able to view how the Wants live their life via a collection of ‘fly-on-the-wall’ images taken between the 15th March and 22nd June 2004.? The exhibition is in effect, a celebration of the British social norm. 

EPSON UK Life marks the end of a social experiment, ?The EPSON Family? which set out to find the most typical family in Britain and prove that while family life may be ?typical?, it is never mundane or boring.  The Want Family was selected by a panel of judges from thousands of applicants vying for the chance to win the title of ?Britain?s most typical family?.  The Wants spent a 100 days capturing every moment of their day to day lives using the latest EPSON digital imaging equipment.

The Want family comprises of husband John (29), wife Claire (30)) and their two children Niclas (4) and Ieaun (2). The family took pictures of key moments in their lives - everything from the kids? temper tantrums to caravanning holidays and gardening accidents.  All these images have been brought together as part of ?EPSON UK Life?.

During the 100 days, the family were also visited by three guest photographers: Lord Lichfield, Richard Young and Tim Flach.  Images taken by each photographer will be shown as part of EPSON UK Life exhibition and will highlight the unique characteristics of the family, in contrast to the fly on the wall perspective of the Want?s own 100 images - all printed by EPSON. 

Lord Lichfield offers a traditional portrait of the Want family to show that no matter how busy their everyday lives are, the close bond of the family could never be lost.  Tim Flach?s portrait of the family incorporates the everyday objects and routines that reflect the family?s lifestyle in a more abstract way. 

Finally, guest photographer Richard Young captured an image of John and Claire Want in true celebrity style - catching the couple on camera whilst they enjoyed an evening together in town,  away from the children and the pressures of family life.

Jane Barnard, EPSON Marketing Communications Manager states, ?EPSON UK Life will be a true-to-life representation of typical family life. The aim of our social experiment was to prove once and for all that when it comes to UK family life, there is actually no such thing as a typical family, as all families experience unique and exciting moments throughout their lives.? 

The Want family is extremely excited about their first gallery debut, ?Becoming the main focus of an exhibition is rather overwhelming?, states father-of-two John Want, ?Having your life on show for everyone to see was quite a surreal experience, but not as challenging as balancing parenthood, a career and a family run business! We had so much fun throughout the 100 days just being ourselves, and to know that our family life has become the basis of an exhibition is just a privilege.?

EPSON UK LIFE runs from 19th July to 24th July at the AOP Gallery, 81 Leonard Street, London, EC2A 4QS and can also be viewed at www.the-epson-family.co.uk.

Entry is FREE. AOP Gallery opening times: 10am ? 6pm Monday to Friday and 12pm ? 4pm on Saturday.  Nearest tube: Old Street Exit 4