MADAME YEVONDE N AT I O N A L P O R T R A I T G A L L E R Y
Pioneering colour photographer, Madame Yevonde images on show at National Portrait Gallery The first major exhibition as part of the National Portrait Gallery’s reopening on 22 June will showcase the groundbreaking work of 20th century British photographer, Yevonde. Supported by the CHANEL Culture Fund, the exhibition will include new prints and discoveries, revealed by the latest research on Yevonde’s colour negative archive, acquired by the Gallery in 2021.
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rs Yevonde Middleton, known better to the world of photography as Madame Yevonde or simply Yevonde, was a global pioneer in colour photography and has been one of the BIPP’s most notable members since the association started in 1901. Joining the BIPP back under its previous name, the Professional Photographs Association, in 1919 at the age of 26, she remained a loyal member until her death in 1975 at age 82. For the first time ever, over 25 newly discovered photographs by Yevonde are on show at the National Portrait Gallery in the largest-ever exhibition of the artist’s work. With over 150 works displayed, Yevonde: Life and Colour running until 15 October 2023, is supported by the CHANEL Culture Fund, which will survey the portraits, commercial commissioned work and still lives that the artist produced throughout her sixty year career. Showcasing photographs of some of the most famous faces of the time - from George Bernard Shaw to Vivien Leigh, and John Gielgud to Princess Alexandra - the exhibition positions Yevonde as a trailblazer in the history of British portrait photography. Reflecting the growing independence of women after the First World War, this exhibition will focus on the freedom photography afforded Yevonde, who became an 26 the PHOTOGRAPHER / 2023 / Issue Two
Self-Portrait with Vivex One-Shot Camera by Yevonde (1937), purchased with
Mask (Rosemary Chance) by Yevonde (1938, printed 2022-3), purchased with
support from the Portrait Fund, 2021 © National Portrait Gallery.
support from the Portrait Fund, 2021 © National Portrait Gallery, London. Issue Two / 2023 / the PHOTOGRAPHER 27
