In Pictures: The Beauty of Toilets

The dream for photographer Elena Heatherwick was to work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), documenting lives and seeing the pictures she had made being used to effect change.

A recent commission from Water Aid gave her the opportunity to do just that, photographing remote communities in Rwanda and Madagascar, in the company of journalist Sally Williams.

Theresia's toilet, complete with a corrugated iron roof, was built for her by the community and her daughter. Photo: Elena Heatherwick/WATERAID

Domitria bought the mud bricks, her neighbors dug the hole and donated wood for the floor and metal sheeting for the roof. Photo: Elena Heatherwick/WATERAID

Jean-Pierre's toilet showcases his commitment to hygiene: it has a cement, rather than the wooden, floor, which is easier to keep clean, and it has a board over the top to keep flies out when not in use. Photo: Elena Heatherwick/WATERAID

Noely's toilet has a squash vine growing over it. She's pleased it's flowering and laughs "It's the first time I've grown a squash on the toilet." Photo: Elena Heatherwick/WATERAID

Marie Lydia's toilet was built when almost everyone else in the village already had one. Marie said: "We paid for our first ever toilet by ploughing other people's land." Photo: Elena Heatherwick/WATERAID

Athanasia's toilet, constructed under a eucalyptus tree, was built for her by the community. It has a view of Gitwa below, sandy paths and steeply terraced vegetable gardens. Photo: Elena Heatherwick/WATERAID

Agnes said: "I am very happy because I don't have to collect grass every morning to put on top of the roof." Photo: Elena Heatherwick/WATERAID

Marie-Pierrette's toilet offers an opportunity for her to express herself, and every aspect is considered carefully. "I am most proud of its shape - it's quite small. I wash and clean it every day. I try to do my best." Photo: Elena Heatherwick/WATERAID

The dream for photographer Elena Heatherwick was to work for non-governmental organizations (NGOs), documenting lives and seeing the pictures she had made being used to effect change.

A recent commission from Water Aid gave her the opportunity to do just that, photographing remote communities in Rwanda and Madagascar, in the company of journalist Sally Williams.

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Topic : In Pictures: The Beauty of Toilets

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Thu, 25 Apr 2024 \| Epaper \|