What is the Eyes of Britain Project?
Eyes of Britain: Life Through a 1,000 Eyes is a nationwide art and photography project capturing the stories, spirit, and diversity of modern Britain through one of its most unique features — the human eye. Every iris is as individual as a fingerprint, and together, a thousand of them will form a striking portrait of Britain today.
This isn’t just about close-up photography. It’s about identity, heritage, belonging, and the many personal stories that make up life across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Each participant contributes not only their iris image but also their voice, memories, and reflections on what Britain means to them.
Why 1,000 Eyes?
The number is deliberate. A thousand eyes means 1000 people — enough to showcase the breadth of Britain without diluting the intimacy of the project. By focusing on 1,000 irises, the project balances scale and detail, creating an artwork that’s both expansive and deeply personal.
Every iris captured becomes part of a collective archive: one that is both artistic and documentary in nature. When combined, these images will reflect Britain’s diversity, resilience, and shared humanity — a mosaic built not of bricks or borders but of people.
Participant 1
County
Participant 2
County
Participant 3
County
Participant 4
County
The Story Behind the Lens
The Eyes of Britain project is led by travelling photographer Elton Cilliers, founder of The Touring Eye. From the back of a motorhome, Elton has been crisscrossing the UK, setting up pop-up photography events in towns and villages, city centres and coastal communities.
The aim isn’t to parachute in, take a shot, and move on. It’s about slowing down, listening, and creating space for people to share their stories. Every iris photographed comes with the choice to add words, memories, or even video interviews — making each contribution unique.
How You Can Get Involved
There are three ways to take part in the Eyes of Britain project:
- Iris Image Only – Add your iris to the collection and become part of the final artwork.
- Iris + “My Britain” Story – Share your reflections on life in Britain alongside your image.
- Iris + Video Interview – Contribute to the living archive with a filmed interview, offering your own spoken voice to the project.
All participants are given a say in how they are represented — whether by full name, first name only, or anonymously. The project is built on respect, choice, and inclusivity.
Interested in being considered for inclusion in the project?
In the first instance, please complete and submit the relevant form. I will then review and add your application to the list and should you be shortlisted for inclusion I will then get in touch. If you are considering having your child’s eye image considered, please ensure you complete the child’s application form and complete it on their behalf. The child’s form MUST only be completed by a parent.
Meet the Team
Elton
Lead Photographer
Coming Soon!
Assistant Photographer / Videographer
Coming Soon!
Social Media Manager / Marketer
The Vision for the Final Piece
Once the journey is complete and 1,000 eyes have been captured and the relevant owners have expressed interest in being included, the project will culminate in a large-scale exhibition and digital archive. Think of it as a visual tapestry: a wall of irises, each one unique, each one telling its own story, yet all together forming the face of Britain.
The final work will be both art installation and historical record — a frozen moment in time, showing Britain not through politicians or press, but through the people themselves.
Why Eyes?
Eyes are often called the “windows to the soul,” but in this project, they are also the windows to Britain. An iris is more than colour and texture; it’s individuality, history, ancestry, and humanity all wrapped into one. By photographing eyes, we create something intimate, universal, and undeniably human.
Join the Journey
Eyes of Britain: Life Through a 1,000 Eyes is a project in motion, travelling across the country and evolving with every participant. Whether you join at a pop-up event, follow the journey online, or simply share the word, you become part of this living, breathing portrait of Britain.
