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
width (whole): 475mm
Credit line
Tom Hunter
On display?
Yes