Glittering Photographic Collection Goes to Reading
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Glittering Photographic Collection Goes to Reading
Part of the Adams family photographs.



LONDON, ENGLAND.-The Art Fund has given a grant to the Museum of Reading towards the purchase of a unique photographic collection by Marcus Adams (1875-1959) and his son Gilbert Adams (1906-1996). The collection of thirty photographs includes images of the young Princess Elizabeth, actress Gloria Swanson and 60’s icon Marianne Faithfull. The Art Fund gave £4,200 towards the total cost of £8,400; additional funding came from the MLA/V&A Purchase Grant Fund.

Three generations of Adams family photographs have been connected to Reading and the surrounding area since 1881 - Marcus Adams trained in his father’s Reading studio and his son, Gilbert, assisted his father before becoming established in his own right. The collection of thirty photographs include striking images of ordinary people such as soldiers relaxing in barracks and Reading children playing in a churchyard as well as charming childhood photographs of the Royal Family and well-known public figures.

Marcus Adams was unrivalled as a photographer of children and is well-known for his portraits of the Royal Family and this collection contains several charming portraits of the young Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret capturing the closeness and happiness of the family. These photographs were reproduced all over the world - popular because they were so different from the stiff poses captured by previous photographers.

Gilbert Adams captured many informal images of the Royal Family while he assisted his father during formal photographic sessions at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle. However, by 1923 Gilbert was established in his own right and in the 1940’s he was commissioned to document the war effort, photographing Allied Commanders and recording life in the Armed Services. He later directed the lighting in Westminster Abbey for the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II. His photographs include timeless images of theatrical life, beautifully composed war effort photographs and some post-war portraits of well-known public figures, including the sculptor Henry Moore, actress Gloria Swanson and a young Marianne Faithfull.

David Barrie, Director of the Art Fund, said: 'Marcus Adams and his son Gilbert were responsible for producing a fascinating range of images – capturing as they did well-known public figures as well as ordinary people going about their lives. This collection is truly eclectic and demonstrates the skill of father and son as portrait photographers. That the photographs should find a home in Reading is really fitting.'

Cllr Catherine Wilton, head of arts for Reading Borough Council said: 'We are delighted with this purchase as it significantly enhances the Museum of Reading’s excellent photographic collection. We remain grateful to the Art Fund for their ongoing support.'

The collection will go on display from the 2 December as part of the 'New Arrivals' exhibition in the John Madejski Art Gallery at the Museum of Reading. Admission is free, contact 0118 939 9800 for opening times.










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