The Making of Overloaded

About Overloaded

This project is a collaboration between charity Haemochromatosis UK and Pulitzer-Prize winning photojournalist Cathal McNaughton. It explores the diverse range of experiences of people affected by genetic haemochromatosis (iron overload disorder).

In Autumn 2024, the charity brought together 21 volunteers with genetic haemochromatosis at photo-shoots in Belfast & Derry-Londonderry. People travelled from far and wide to participate.

Everyone has a story; some happy, others sad. But every story is real. We are overloaded.

The making of overloaded
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In this interview with Eve Wisniewski, Cathal McNaughton reveals his excitement about the project, which is helping to give an image, and a voice, to those suffering from iron overload.

Below, watch Cathal McNaughton in conversation with Eve Wisneuski and Neil McClements in October 2024. Cathal shares what drew him to the collaboration, how he goes about approaching an assignment and much more.

CREDITS

We hope you enjoy the art here & learn more about GH, the UK's most common genetic condition.

We'd like to thank Haemochromatosis UK's Friends Against Iron Overload and the National Lottery Community Fund for Northern Ireland for their generous support of this project.

Special thanks to everyone who took part in the portraits : Cormac, Dervla, Catherine, Rita, Leah, Jayne, Michael, Deborah, Valerie, Sean, Neil, Hilary, Matt, Seamus, Sophia, George, Finbar, Sarah & George. You look great!

And our thanks and best wishes to everyone at photography venues Belfast Exposed & Old Library Trust (Creggan, Derry-Londonderry).
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Portraits by Cathal McNaughton
Words & exhibition book : Eve Wisneuski
Video & additional photography : Neil McClements
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