A former soldier turned student photographer at The Northern School of Art has paid homage to famous British Army veterans in a stunning set of photographs of the renowned Chelsea Pensioners resplendent in their signature red coats and black peaked hats.

Lee Bullivant, from Hartlepool, was allowed exclusive behind the scenes access at the home for retired service men and women at the Royal Hospital Chelsea in London, to capture a series of candid photographic portraits and images of day-to-day life.

The year-long project combining documentary storytelling and formal portraiture was part of the School’s BA (Hons) Photography student’s final major project for his degree course before he graduated this summer.

Titled ‘In the Footsteps of Heroes’, it shines a light on the lives of some of Britain’s most recognisable military veterans.

“It was such an honour to photograph these remarkable veterans and be welcomed into their world,” Lee said. “Through my lens, I’ve captured not only their famous scarlet uniforms, but also their quiet moments, routines, spaces, and stories. A living history of service, sacrifice and spirit.”

Having served with the 1st Battalion, The Prince of Wales’s Own Regiment of Yorkshire from 1999 to 2005, he added: “As both a photographer and a veteran, my work is shaped by personal experience and empathy. I’m drawn to portraits and documentary photography that explore identity, memory and the lives of those who’ve served. For me, the camera is a way to connect and tell people’s stories with dignity and honesty.

“The portrait series of the Chelsea Pensioners is the most meaningful body of work I have created to date. I wanted to go beyond their well-known uniforms and capture the individuals behind the tradition: their humour, resilience, and quiet dignity.”

As a former soldier Lee said he felt a strong affinity with the Pensioners: “This helped build trust and gave me natural, respectful access to their lives. I photographed them around the Royal Hospital Chelsea using natural light and minimal equipment to keep my approach honest and unobtrusive.

“My focus was on capturing personality and subtle details that reveal character, alongside candid moments of reflection and companionship.”

Two Chelsea Pensioners who feature in Lee’s photographs travelled to Hartlepool to see the exhibition of portraits and behind the scenes photographs at The Northern School of Art’s end of year Degree Show.

Reflecting on living where Chelsea Pensioners have lived since 1692, Barrie Tudor Williams, who lived and worked in Darlington after a long career in the Royal Artillery before joining the community three years ago, said, “It’s great, we get spoiled. We want for nothing.”

Fellow Chelsea Pensioner Michael T Vowles, who also served in the Royal Artillery and has lived at the Royal Chelsea Hospital for almost a year, added: “The Royal Hospital Chelsea is a village within a village, the ethos is the community.”

Ross Martin, Regimental Sergeant Major of the Royal Hospital said: “There is a camaraderie and bond here which comes from a shared career in military service. Lee’s experience as a soldier has helped him get an insider perspective, despite being several decades younger than our Chelsea Pensioners.

“We are very grateful to Lee for capturing some of the rich history and tradition we have here and wish him the best in his studies.”

Lee is about to embark on the MA Arts Practice course at The Northern School of Art’s Hartlepool campus and runs documentary and portrait photography business Pinnacle Peak Photography alongside his studies. He is also working with The South Gare Fisherman’s Huts Association looking at the lives of the fishermen and the rich history behind South Gare.

He now hopes to expand his Chelsea Pensioners documentary series by photographing more residents and collaborating on a book.

“The series was a real turning point in my practice and helped me to find my voice as a photographer. I am now planning to pursue other editorial and documentary projects that reflect my values that are rooted in real stories.”

Find out more about Lee Bullivant’s work on his website HERE and on Instagram @lee_bullivant_photography_

Royal Hospital Chelsea is the home of the famous veterans of the British Army, the Chelsea Pensioners. It offers excellent accommodation, comradeship and the highest standards of care in recognition of their loyal service to the nation. The Royal Hospital is a Grade I and II* listed site, a beautiful architectural legacy left by Charles II and Sir Christopher Wren. The Hospital depends on financial support from the public to care for its unique community of British Army veterans.  To support the Chelsea Pensioners or to book a tour, please visit: Chelsea-pensioners.co.uk

The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Photography degree programme is a comprehensive course that covers everything from analogue darkroom practices to industry-standard digital studio workflows, post-production, and aspects of AI in the rapidly changing digital landscape. Further details and how to apply are available on the School’s website at www.northernart.ac.uk