Thanks for these reminders of Bown's incredible portraits. Early in my career I thought to myself that I'd know I'd 'made it' as a photographer when I get commissioned by The Observer to do a portrait shoot. The closest I've got so far is a portrait on the cover of The Guardian's occasional literature supplement. I'm patient though...
Great post and collection of her work! Years ago I read a story about her shoot with Queen Elizabeth II—in one of Annie Leibovitz's books, I think. Apparently she showed up alone and asked the Queen to help her move the furniture for the shoot. I just love that story, and I'd never seen this image of her! Thanks!
Great post Andrew of a wonderful photographer. You and I already discussed in the past the visit I made to the Guardian/Observer offices to see the 2007/2008 exhibition ‘Unknown Bown’ - her portraits are beautiful but my favourite of hers is ‘Southend-on-sea’ from 1954 and to quote the Guardian “A classic early shot by Jane, in which a moment of great tenderness is captured surreptitiously from behind.”
Thank you Harry. I missed that exhibition but I did go and see her Portraits at the Guardian offices. I think it was 2009 and it's when I bought one of my most treasured possessions - her portrait of Samuel Beckett. 'Southend-on-sea' is a wonderful photo.
Thank you, Andrew. Delighted to have discovered Jane Bown. Also smiling because the Olympus OM-1 was my first camera (my father handed it down to me when i was a teenager).
Striking and poignant black and white imagery! Jane Brown is a true master of the photographic medium. Thank you for sharing. Prior to reading your post I was not aware of her work. Truly inspirational.
What an absolute delight, Andrew. Thank you. I first came across Jane Bown in an exhibition of her work at the National Portrait Gallery and was blown away. The book we purchased at the time - sometime in the mid '80s - was poured over and lent out multiple times as I enthused about Jane's extraordinary eye... and eventually the last person (I can't remember who) never returned the book, and it has left a visceral hole ever since.
That’s such a shame that the book from the 80s has gone astray. There’s something about a well-thumbed book which can’t be replaced. I’m glad that this post resonated.
Thanks for these reminders of Bown's incredible portraits. Early in my career I thought to myself that I'd know I'd 'made it' as a photographer when I get commissioned by The Observer to do a portrait shoot. The closest I've got so far is a portrait on the cover of The Guardian's occasional literature supplement. I'm patient though...
Well I think you've made it if you have had photos printed in The Observer and The Guardian!
I’m much older and wiser now, and understand that ‘making it’ as a photographer is as elusive as the perfect camera bag. :o)
Ha ha. You should take inspiration from Jane Bown and use a shopping basket!
Great stuff — the Beckett one is extraordinary. Thanks Andrew!
Thank you Paddy. The Beckett one sees into your soul...
Lovely insights into the work of one of my favourite portrait photographers. Thanks!
Thank you Paul. Great minds think alike!
Great post and collection of her work! Years ago I read a story about her shoot with Queen Elizabeth II—in one of Annie Leibovitz's books, I think. Apparently she showed up alone and asked the Queen to help her move the furniture for the shoot. I just love that story, and I'd never seen this image of her! Thanks!
From what I’ve read, it wouldn’t surprise me that the story is true!
Great post Andrew of a wonderful photographer. You and I already discussed in the past the visit I made to the Guardian/Observer offices to see the 2007/2008 exhibition ‘Unknown Bown’ - her portraits are beautiful but my favourite of hers is ‘Southend-on-sea’ from 1954 and to quote the Guardian “A classic early shot by Jane, in which a moment of great tenderness is captured surreptitiously from behind.”
Thank you Harry. I missed that exhibition but I did go and see her Portraits at the Guardian offices. I think it was 2009 and it's when I bought one of my most treasured possessions - her portrait of Samuel Beckett. 'Southend-on-sea' is a wonderful photo.
First time learning about Jane Bown! Thanks for sharing. I am inspired by the phrase “some people take pictures, I find them”.
Glad you like her work and thank you for reading.
Thank you, Andrew. Delighted to have discovered Jane Bown. Also smiling because the Olympus OM-1 was my first camera (my father handed it down to me when i was a teenager).
Glad to have introduced you to her work. My father also had an OM1 which he loved using.
Striking and poignant black and white imagery! Jane Brown is a true master of the photographic medium. Thank you for sharing. Prior to reading your post I was not aware of her work. Truly inspirational.
Thanks David. Glad her photos resonated with you.
This is a new study for me, thank you for sharing. Goes to show what you can do with minimal equipment and a purpose.
Thank you for reading Paul. I admire her single-minded simplicity. The less equipment, the less choice and the more focused you can be.
Thanks, Andrew, now I know the origin of the quote. The Björk and Sinead ones - captured something invisible.
They do. She had the knack.
Wonderful portrait! Thank you for sharing! Great read!
Thank you for reading! Glad you enjoyed the post.
What an absolute delight, Andrew. Thank you. I first came across Jane Bown in an exhibition of her work at the National Portrait Gallery and was blown away. The book we purchased at the time - sometime in the mid '80s - was poured over and lent out multiple times as I enthused about Jane's extraordinary eye... and eventually the last person (I can't remember who) never returned the book, and it has left a visceral hole ever since.
That’s such a shame that the book from the 80s has gone astray. There’s something about a well-thumbed book which can’t be replaced. I’m glad that this post resonated.
What a portfolio! The smouldering intensity of the Beckett headshot in particular bares a tortured soul.
Indeed! The power of the Beckett portrait is unique.
I’ve seen and loved so many of these separately over the years but had no idea who they came from, thank you for this enlightening post !
Thank you for reading and I'm glad it helped piece her wonderful portraits together.
Except for the Queen, they’re all portraying her… Not easy to get the unportrayable Cartier-Bresson. Another discovery for me 😉
I’m pleased to have introduced you to her. She is a rare talent.
A new one for me. Cheers fella. Will be diving into more of her photos when I have a moment. The photograph of Bjork is perfection.
She’s a wonderful portrait photographer and she has an admirable low-key approach. Enjoy your exploring!