Home Woman Reading a Possession Order

Woman Reading a Possession Order

Object

Photograph

Production date

1997

Object number

2010.93

Physical Description

The woman in this photograph was squatting on the same road as the artist in Hackney when they received a letter from the council giving notification that the road was due to be demolished. At the time, squatters were associated in the media with anti-social behaviour. Hunter wanted to challenge this reputation. The image borrows from the composition of 'A Girl Reading at an Open Window' by the Dutch master Vermeer, giving a sense of grace and dignity to this contemporary subject. After the image was published, it helped to open up a dialogue with the council and the houses were saved.

Associated Person

Hunter, Tom (Photographer)

Material

photo

Dimension

height (Whole): 610mm
width (whole): 475mm

Credit line

Tom Hunter

On display?

Yes