About

'The Lucky Ones Grow Old' is a series of portraits showcasing Second World War and Normandy veterans and the stories behind them. 

The nine portraits were taken by photographer Matt Sills at The D-Day Story on Monday 3 June 2024.

The veterans visited the museum as part of an event organised by The D-Day Story in partnership with the Spirit of Normandy Trust for a day of education, conversation and reflection during the commemorations for the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.

Matt Sills is a Portsmouth-based photographer with a passion for portraiture. He has enjoyed a successful career, travelling the globe and creating work for some of the world’s most recognised brands and has photographed many famous faces.

Matt’s other great passion is history, particularly Second World War history. As a Portsmouth local, he has long been interested in the city’s role during the war and D-Day. The event on the 3 June provided the perfect opportunity to create a meaningful and poignant portrait series.

Free admission to the exhibition which will run until 18 January 2025.