100 Leading Ladies

During 2012-2014, I endeavoured to photograph 100 of Britain’s most respected women over the age of 55; from academics to entrepreneurs, fashion designers to composers. The Leading Ladies all share one thing in common; they are leading figures in their fields and have defied gender stereotypes.

‘In my own lifetime I have witnessed a profound shift - from little girls imagining their future as marriage and children to the now total belief from childhood that a woman will grow up to have a career outside the home. It is more important than ever to see the important women from all fields in our society and hear their voices of experience.’

I invited each woman to select a place of inspiration for their portrait setting, affording the viewer further insight into the lives, personalities and character of these admirable women.

The 100 Leading Ladies legacy book, 2014, designed by Steven Taylor Associates and published by Dewi Lewis Media features all 100 portraits and interviews by former Times journalist Hattie Garlick.

The photos were first exhibited at Somerset House, London in 2014. The exhibition toured the UK for 2 years afterwards.

A number of the portraits have been acquired by the National Portrait Gallery and The University of Westminster.