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Illuminating Women: Photographs by Mayotte Magnus
In 1977 the National Portrait Gallery staged a landmark exhibition featuring nearly 90 portraits of eminent women photographed by Mayotte Magnus. It was the first exhibition of its kind at the gallery, focusing solely on female achievement.
Some of those portraits have been revisited for a new display at the gallery, alongside some newer acquisitions. Born in 1934, Magnus spent her early years in Paris before settling in Cambridge. She turned from painting to photography, later becoming a fellow of the Royal Photographic Society in 1973.
Shown in Parliament to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the 1928 Act which gave women electoral equality with men, the pictures depict women who have shaped our world through music, art, words, performances and more. All the portraits were taken in the sitters’ home or place of work, and demonstrate creative composition – a real portrait masterclass.
The exhibition runs until 24 March at the National Portrait Gallery, London. Entry is free.