Giles Duley

Biography

Giles Duley is a photographer, writer, chef, presenter, and CEO of Legacy of War Foundation. His work focuses on the long-term humanitarian impact of conflict, and on helping tell the stories of those affected. Starting his career as a music photographer, Giles worked with Mariah Carey, Oasis and Lenny Kravitz for publications including Q, Vogue, Sunday Times, and Elle.

Giles changed his focus from celebrity to documentary work, partnering with charities such as HI (Humanity and Inclusion), EMERGENCY, Save the Children, and the UNHCR, to highlight lesser-reported stories deserving of public attention and action. Although documenting challenging, at times horrific situations, Giles captures the strength of those who confront adversity rather than succumb. His photographs draw the viewer to the subject, creating intimacy and empathy for lives that are dramaticaly different from ours only in circumstance. His work has taken him to Iraq, Afghanistan, South Sudan, DR Congo, Angola, Bangladesh, Kenya, Ukraine, Jordan, Lebanon, Colombia, Vietnam, and Nigeria.

Having worked extensively with displaced people and those supporting them, Giles started his Legacy of War project, which looks to explore common themes of conflict. A core part of the project is collaborations with other artists and writers to reach a wider audience. These collaborations have included the musicians Massive Attack and PJ Harvey.

Whilst working in Afghanistan, Giles was severely injured by an IED. As a result of his injuries he is a triple-amputee. He since returned to Afghanistan to continue his work as a photographer, documenting the toll of war on civilian lives - as well as founding and acting as CEO of the NGO Legacy of War Foundation, an international charity supporting communities and individuals as they rebuild their lives after conflict. This work as a campaigner for the rights of both refugees and those living with disability was recognised with an MBE.

In addition to his work as a campaigner and photographer, Giles has made and hosted two Unreported Worlds for Channel 4, and produced and presented the six-part VICE TV series, The One-Armed Chef. He also works as the Corporate Impact Advisor for Angelina Jolie's Atelier Jolie venture.

The Sunday Times included him in their Alternative Rich List, for those who are ‘rich in experience, rich is spirit, rich in life….’ Natasha Kaplinsky said of Giles “Even catastrophic injury has not stopped him doing what he feels he should be doing with his life.” He was appointed as the first United Nations Global Advocate for persons with disabilities in conflict and peacebuilding situations.

With stories that are by turns poignant, inspirational and amusing, Giles looks at the enduring nature of the human spirit as well as the passion for his work that have helped him overcome his injuries. His experiences offer lessons in commitment, leadership, purpose and values. Giles also considers the unifying power of storytelling, as well as what resilience and determination look like, and he shares tales such as how getting a drunken tattoo with the men that saved his life didn’t entirely go to plan.