Pablo Picasso and Lee Miller after the liberation of Paris, Rue des Grand Augustins, Paris, France, 1944 [© Lee Miller Archives]
‘Lee Miller and Picasso’, which runs at the Scottish National Gallery in Edinburgh from 23 May-6 September, will feature 100 of Miller’s photographs.
The gallery said in a statement: ‘Highlights will range from intimate snapshots taken on the beaches of the South of France in the late 1930s, to memorable images of the Picasso’s famous visit to Britain in 1950, when he stayed with Miller and her husband Roland Penrose at their Sussex farm.’
Miller worked as a photographer during the Second World War. She was also a fashion and celebrity photographer.
Sixty thousands of her images were found in the attic of her Sussex farmhouse after her death in 1977.
Picasso – Hôtel Vaste Horizon, Mougins, France, 1937 [© Lee Miller Archives]
Miller’s son Antony, director of the Lee Miller Archives, said: ‘My parents’ friendship with Picasso was a central part of their lives. Beginning from the camaraderie and ideals shared on the beaches of the Côte d’Azur, it developed rapidly into a love and creative collaboration.’
Christopher Baker, director of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, said: ‘This engrossing exhibition allows us to explore the intimate and creative friendship between two extraordinary figures: the greatest painter of the 20th century and one of the most inspiring and adventurous photographers.
‘Providing insights into their private and public lives, it will, we hope, enrich appreciation in particular of Lee Miller’s achievement and her amazing career.’
The gallery added: ‘A touching photograph taken on the liberation of Paris in 1944 when Miller, a war photographer with the US forces, was reunited with Picasso, is one many images in the exhibition which capture the artist amidst the chaos of his studio.
‘Miller continued to make regular trips to visit Picasso until the early 1970s, and her studio shots offer a fascinating insight into the working methods of this restlessly creative genius.’
The New York-born photographer first met Picasso in 1937 and the relationship continued until the artist’s death in 1973.
After moving to Paris in 1929, Miller spent three years working with photographer Man Ray, as his model, muse and studio assistant.
In 1942, she became a war correspondent, contributing to Vogue.
To view Lee Miller’s work, visit www.leemiller.co.uk.
Picasso with La Coiffure, Villa La Californie, France, 1956 [© Lee Miller Archives]
