Gingerfest photo show celebrates the redhead

In medieval times they were often accused of being witches. The Nazis banned them from inter-marrying. Today, they make up about three per cent of the world’s population, but some scientists claim they will be extinct within the next 100 years.

We’re talking about people with a variant of a gene called the melanocortin 1 receptor that leads to red hair.



Now a Midland artist has launched an exhibition devoted to this often-maligned group, regarded by some as the last sufferers of socially acceptable bigotry in this country.



Called Gingerfest, the show, which runs until the end of the month, features dozens of photographs of redheads taken by Dudley photographer David Rann, an MA fine art student at Wolverhampton University’s School of Art & Design.

“Ginger-themed” refreshments such as ginger biscuits and carrot cake were served at last night’s launch at the Quadrant Lounge in Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton.

There's a news video here.