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Jill Kennington, March 1964

Photograph
1964 (made)
Artist/Maker
Cowan, John (photographers)

John Cowan was a leading fashion photographer during the 1960s. His photographs epitomised the playful, graphically dynamic style of commercial photography practised in London during the period. His 1962 meeting with model Jill Kennington sparked an exciting period of image-making for numerous magazines and newspapers. Here, Kennington is seen in a characteristically high-energy shot, her long blond hair accentuated by blurred movement.

Object details

Categories
Fashion
Photographs
Object type
Photograph
TitleJill Kennington, March 1964 (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Gelatin-silver print
Brief description
Jill Kennington, March 1964, (printed later), John Cowan, gelatin-silver print, given by Carolyn Cowan
Physical description
Blurred black and white photograph of a woman shaking her long blond hair.
Dimensions
  • Width: 57cm
  • Height: 38cm
Style
Sixties
Gallery label
(1999)
John Cowan captured the spirit and the explosive energy of the revolution in British culture which took shape in the early sixties. Self-taught, he had started working as a freelance photographer in 1958. Within a year his strong documentary and informal portrait work became the subject of a one-man exhibition, 'Through the Light Barrier'. Cowan soon found his metier as a fashion photographer. His 1962 meeting with model Jill Kennington sparked an exciting period of high-octane image-making for numerous magazines and newspapers.

In 1966 his studio provided the principal set for Antonioni's film, 'Blow-Up'. Cowan himself was prominent among the new generation of photographers whose lifestyles provided the inspiration for the film's central character. Cowan was ambitious and reckless.

The adventurous spirit that injected such energy into his pictures was ill-adapted to the practical aspects of sustaining his success. By the end of the decade he was in financial difficulties and falling out of step with the world of fashion. He left London for Milan, Paris and New York. Returning in 1970, he was unable to pick up the pieces of his career. His exhilarating work of the sixties was soon forgotten and his reputation eclipsed.
Credit line
Given by Carolyn Cowan
Summary
John Cowan was a leading fashion photographer during the 1960s. His photographs epitomised the playful, graphically dynamic style of commercial photography practised in London during the period. His 1962 meeting with model Jill Kennington sparked an exciting period of image-making for numerous magazines and newspapers. Here, Kennington is seen in a characteristically high-energy shot, her long blond hair accentuated by blurred movement.
Bibliographic references
  • John Cowan, through the light barrier, by Philippe Garner, Schirmer/Mosel, 1999
  • Triple exposure: 3 photographers from the 60s. Ron Traeger. Michael Cooper. John Cowan, V&A, 1999
Collection
Prints, Drawings & Paintings Collection
Accession number
E.2053-2004

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Record createdFebruary 9, 2004
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O92300/jill-kennington-march-1964-photograph-cowan-john/
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