Not just a funny face

A host of the comedy world’s leading lights are to feature in a photography exhibition in support of the charity Shelter.

‘Funny Faces’ opens on the 6 December at the Strand Gallery, London, and includes such leading figures of comedy such as Simon Pegg, Jimmy Carr and Richard Wilson.

Photographer Paul Heneker has created the exhibition, featuring 45 portraits of some of the country’s most famous funny faces, ranging from Inbetweeners star Simon Bird and Peep Show’s David Mitchell to veterans of classic comedy drama such as Tony Robinson, Barbara Windsor and Andrew Sachs.

“Shelter has been a charity that I have followed and supported for many years – having a roof over our head is something that most of us take for granted. Funny Faces gives me the perfect opportunity to make the lives of those who are struggling to hold onto their home, a little easier,” said Heneker.

Each portrait has been signed by the comedian featured and will be available to buy through an online auction held throughout the duration of the exhibition at the Strand Gallery, London from 6 – 17 December 2011.

Limited edition prints of the photographs signed by Heneker will also be available to buy, with all profits from the exhibition’s sales being donated to Shelter.

Every two minutes someone in Britain faces losing their home, said Shelter. All the money received will go towards Shelter’s vital advice services, which will be there to help thousands of people at risk of losing their home this Christmas.

Isy Suttie, stand up comic, best known for playing Dobby in Peep Show, said: “There are loads of people working hard but still struggling to make ends meet. All it sometimes takes is for one tiny thing to go wrong before things spiral out of control and many can find themselves without a home.

“Christmas should be a time for giving, receiving and arguing over the last Quality Street – not worrying about a roof over your head. I hope that through the Funny Faces exhibition we can help raise money to support Shelter’s work this Christmas – so get bidding now.”

Campbell Robb, Shelter’s chief executive, said: “It is fantastic that so many of Britain’s best-loved comedians have given up their time to take part in this exhibition. We hope it will raise important funds for Shelter’s work helping the increasing numbers of people who will be facing homelessness this Christmas, something that sadly could happen to any one of us.”