The Photography of Bob Wilkinson, Darfur 1982-1986
Sudan Studies for South Sudan and Sudan, Number 69, December 2023 / January 2024, Journal of The Society for the Study of the Sudans UK
“One of my students at the Teachers’ Training College in Nyala, the capital of South Darfur, where I worked as a teacher. On this occasion, she came wearing her traditional head beads. I took many photos of my students, to give to them the following year. This photograph stands out. Her name was Samiya. I wonder where she is today.” Photograph, copyright Bob Wilkinson, reproduced here with his kind permission.
Above, one of the many stunning portraits of Darfuri colleagues, students and friends taken by Bob Wilkinson during his time there as a teacher, teacher trainer and regional director for Save the Children,1982-1986.
Photograph, copyright Bob Wilkinson.
In October this year a selection of Bob’s work was exhibited at the Litten Tree Building Showrooms in Coventry. See Ordinary People in Extraordinary Times for background to the exhibition and more examples of his unique photographic record of Darfuri life at a pivotal moment in the region’s recent history.
Society for the Study of the Sudans UK
The next issue of the journal of the Society for the Studies of the Sudans SSSUK, Sudan Studies for South Sudan and Sudan will be publishing an interview with Bob, together with more examples of his work and background to the region. Why not join the society to access its biannual journal?
The Society for the Studies of the Sudans (SSSUK)
The Society for the Study of the Sudans UK (SSSUK) is a remarkable meeting space and resource for anyone interested in Sudan or South Sudan. Its members include academics, development workers, artists, journalists, writers but also many folk, who like me, are just interested in Sudanese current affairs and culture. Its journals, online resources and annual symposiums provide a wealth of information, discussion and food for thought for scholars, political analysts and indeed anyone wishing to further their understanding of Sudan and South Sudan.
SSSUK’s symposiums have hosted leading figures in Sudanese and South Sudanese cultural and political life and have always pursued constructive, open-minded dialogue, even on the most contentious and painful of issues. They have been annual events to look forward to for more than twenty-five years, weathering and commentating on the many profound changes Sudan and South Sudan have witnessed in recent years.
On a personal level, SSSUK has been an enduring and inspirational presence for nearly thirty years. Some of the most remarkable, brave and knowledgeable people I have had the privilege to know I met for the first time at SSSUK.
Photograph, copyright, Bob Wilkinson.
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