Exhibition of Pioneering Photographer and ‘Woman of the 20th Century’ at Durlston Castle

A new exhibition of the work of pioneering Swanage photographer, Helen Muspratt, chosen as one of the “Women of our Century” by the BBC, will take place at Dorset County Council’s Durlston Castle from 20 June to 11 July.

Her daughter, Jessica Sutcliffe, offering an insight into Helen’s life, work and local connections, has curated the exhibition.

Helen’s studio opened in Swanage in 1928, and she became one of the most eminent portrait photographers of the 20th Century, making portraits of many notable figures including Paul Nash and Aileen Agar.

Her experiments with solarisation and multiple exposures was influenced by the work of Man Ray, while her political convictions led her to produce documentary records of the Soviet Union in 1936 and the desperate situation of the unemployed of the Welsh coalfields in 1937. Her fascination with the face and attention to shape and angle lies at the heart of her work.

“The 1930s were a time of huge experimentation and innovation, but women were almost invisible in the post-war landscape of British photography. I realised my mother’s story had to be told and I hope this exhibition will do justice to her life and work.” Said Jessica.

Said Ali Tuckey, who manages the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston, “The exhibition will be a fascinating insight not only into her incredible life and work, but also her strong connections with Purbeck.”

The exhibition is free and will be open daily from 11am – 4pm.