Photograph of the Month - January 2008

Mezzo Soprano singer. Born in Neath, South Wales, Jenkins's talent was first celebrated when she was named Welsh Choirgirl of the Year in 1993. Aged seventeen Jenkins was awarded a scholarship to study at the Royal Academy of Music. Jenkins's debut album Premiere (2004) was the first in a six-album contract with Universal and remained at the top of the classical charts for eight weeks. She simultaneously held the three top chart positions with the release of her award-winning albums Second Nature (2004) and Living the Dream (2005). Her public performances have included rugby matches and the 60th anniversary VE Day Celebrations, when Vera Lynn named Jenkins 'the new Forces Sweetheart'. Jenkins's most recent album Rejoice (2007) entered the pop charts at number three and she has recently collaborated on the song and dance production Viva La Diva, with Darcy Bussell. Photographed for the cover of Jenkins's autobiography Time to Say Hello (February 2008). The National Portrait Gallery has over 200 of Leighton's photographs in the collection. His portfolio of comedians, published as The Jokers (1999), was shown here in 2000.

Previous Photographs of the Month