Woman Reading a Possession Order
Photograph
1997
2010.93
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.
Hunter, Tom (Photographer)
photo
height (Whole): 610mm
width (whole): 475mm
width (whole): 475mm
Tom Hunter
Yes