Dimbola is delighted to be host to an exhibition of two great women artists, showcasing their compelling photographic portraits.

In 1864, some 25 years after Henry Fox Talbot had created the very first stable modern photograph at Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire, Julia Margaret Cameron, aged 48, began to create portraits using a large view camera, wet coated glass plates and chemistry at her home on the Isle of Wight. In the 1920’s a young Lotte Graf started her 50 year career creating portraits using a view camera, readycoated glass plates and chemistry in a studio in Vienna, later moving to 23 Old Bond Street in London.

In spite of their differences, they had much in common. They both photographed sitters who were celebrities of the period, and included distinguished writers, scientists, actors and musicians of the day. Both these great portrait photographers were, all importantly, unconventional and uncompromising. They both left us a legacy of images to celebrate. Over forty portraits from Lotte’s substantial archive are on display in the exhibition gallery of Dimbola Lodge - which was Julia’s home and workplace.

“Lotte Meitner-Graf was an important photographer in her time and her archive is of great significance.” Sir Roy Strong, Hereford, 2014

Dimbola is open 7 days a week 10-5. Exhibition continues until 10th July.