About the Project

I'm Drew Gardner, a British photographer with a deep passion for history and storytelling. Over the past two decades, I've embarked on a journey to connect the past with the present through photography. My project, The Descendants, involves tracing the lineages of notable historical figures and photographing their living descendants in recreated portraits that mirror the originals.

While the initial focus was on prominent European figures, I recognised a significant gap: the underrepresentation of people of colour in historical narratives. This realisation led me to a new chapter in the project—honouring Black American Civil War soldiers by photographing their descendants.

In collaboration with genealogists and historians, I've identified and connected with descendants of Black soldiers who fought valiantly during the Civil War. Using the 19th-century wet plate collodion process, also known as tintype photography, I capture these individuals in portraits that resonate with the era of their ancestors.

Each photograph is a meticulous recreation, involving period-accurate costumes, props, and settings. The process is labour-intensive, requiring subjects to remain still for extended periods, just as their ancestors did.

This project is not just about visual resemblance; it's about honouring the legacy, courage, and contributions of those who have been historically overlooked. By bringing these stories to light, I aim to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of our shared history.

Your support will enable the continuation of this important work, allowing more stories to be told and more legacies to be honoured.

Why This Matters

More than 180,000 Black men fought for the Union during the American Civil War. Many escaped slavery to do so. They risked everything to fight for a freedom not yet fully granted — for their families, their futures, and for generations they’d never meet.

These individuals have been overlooked in most historical narratives. Their stories are often missing from classrooms, museums, and the national memory.

But their descendants are still here.

This project brings them — and the stories of their ancestors — back into the light.

Where We Are Now

So far, six portraits have been completed. With your help, we will expand the series to a total of 12 portraits — making it a more powerful and viable exhibition, both nationally and internationally.

What Your Support Will Fund

Creating each tintype portrait is an involved and historically sensitive process. Your support will help cover:

• Genealogical and historical research to identify and verify descendant lineages

• Travel across the U.S. to meet and photograph descendants

• Tintype equipment and materials, including chemicals, plates, and camera gear

• Period-accurate clothing and styling for authentic visual representation

• Location rentals for controlled, historically respectful photoshoot settings

• Videography and documentation to capture behind-the-scenes footage for film and outreach

• Archival printing and production for exhibitions and collector editions

Recognised Around the World

The Civil War Descendants Project has already received international acclaim and industry recognition, including:

• Association of Photographers UK (AOP) Open – Winner, 2024

• International Photography Awards (USA) – Winner, 2024

• Px3 – Prix de la Photographie Paris (Fine Art) – Winner, 2024

• Taylor Wessing Portrait Prize (National Portrait Gallery) – Shortlisted, 2024

• Sony World Photography Awards – 3rd Place, 2024

• New York Photography Awards – Winner

• Amateur Photography Awards – Winner, 2025

• Head On Photo Awards (Australia) – Winner, 2024

• ND Awards – Photographer of the Year, 2024

These accolades reflect not only the artistic quality of the work, but its cultural and historical significance — resonating with audiences, critics, and curators around the globe.

Media coverage

The Descendants Project has sparked powerful conversations around history, identity, and legacy — and it’s been recognised by some of the world’s most respected media outlets.

Over the years, the project has been featured in:

• CNN

• NBC News

• BBC World Service

• The Washington Post

• The Today Show (NBC)

• The Times (UK)

• The Daily Mail

• National Geographic

• Smithsonian Magazine

• Business Insider

• Artnet

• Sky Arte

• Oprah Magazine

These features have brought global attention to the importance of visualising underrepresented histories — and have helped highlight the legacy of Black Civil War soldiers and their modern-day descendants.

This widespread coverage is not just a reflection of the project’s artistic merit, but also of its cultural urgency. Your support will help ensure these stories continue to reach audiences around the world — through exhibitions, publications, and beyond.