Jo Spence in a motorcycle helmet.

  • Spence, Jo
Date:
[1982]
Reference:
3063623i
Part of:
Picture of health?
  • Pictures

About this work

Also known as

Helmet shot.

Description

Half-body self-portrait of Jo Spence, face on, naked, her head turned slightly to the right. She is wearing a motorcyle helmet, visor raised, with her hands on her head.

Publication/Creation

[1982]

Physical description

1 photograph : black and white print ; sheet 26.4 x 20.3 cm, mount 43.8 x 31.4 cm

Biographical note

Jo Spence (1934 - 1992) started as a commercial photographer, and in the 1970s she moved to critical documentary photography. In 1974 she met her long-term collaborator, Terry Dennett, with whom she established the Photography Workshop Ltd. Her work was both politically aware and personal, considering social issues, sexuality, power and health. She worked collaboratively throughout her career, in the 1970s and early 80s with the Hackney Flashers and Polysnappers, and in 1984, she developed Photo-therapy with Rosy Martin. Diagnosed with cancer in 1982 much of her subsequent work reflected her experiences, including the ‘A picture of Health?’ series (1982-86). In 1990 she was diagnosed with leukemia, and ‘The Final Project’ work was a response to this. She wrote extensively, and in 1984 published ‘Putting myself in the picture’.

Reference

Jo Spence. 1982. Jo Spence in a motorcycle helmet. [Photograph]. Wellcome Collection 3063623i

Creator/production credits

Created in collaboration with Terry Dennett.

Notes

The work is untitled. The image was refered to as 'Helmet shot' by Richard Saltoun gallery.
Versions of this image were included in 'A picture of health?' project (1982-86).

Ownership note

Purchased by Wellcome Collection in 2016 from the Estate of Jo Spence through the Richrad Saltoun Gallery, London. Richard Saltoun stock code: JOS909.

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Where to find it

  • LocationStatusAccess
    Closed stores

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