Picture: Copyright, Society of Authors and LSE
Newly restored photographs by legendary author and playwright George Bernard Shaw ? including nude self-portraits ? will go on show at Lacock Abbey in Wiltshire from today.
The images are among a collection of 20,000 photographs, negatives, albums and other objects, now owned by the National Trust.
On his death, Shaw – who also wrote articles for Amateur Photographer – left his home to the National Trust.
The archive has been conserved, catalogued and digitised in partnership with the London School of Economics and Political Science.
?George Bernard Shaw (pictured) was one of the most recognisable faces of the 20th century, largely due to his grasp of the power of photography which he used to further his own ambitions as author and playwright,? said Roger Watson, curator at the Fox Talbot Museum where the images will go on display.
?He bought his first camera in 1898 and began, like most of us, by taking photographs of his family and friends, soon showing great skill both in composition and technical ability.
?But it was in his art photography that he began producing a marvellous body of work that follows the soft focus and ethereal style of the photographers he most admired.?
The exhibition ? which includes images of Shaw?s family and friends – takes place at Lacock Abbey (once the home of photography inventor William Henry Fox Talbot), from today until 11 December.
For details visit www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lacock
Mary [Sissy] Cholmondeley, Maybury Knoll, c1902
Pictures: Copyright, Society of Authors and LSE
