The Hackney-based visual arts charity Autograph has received the entire photographic estate of Jamaican-British photographer Armet Francis. This major gift adds more than 70,000 images to their permanent photography collection, celebrating the African diaspora.
Significance of the Donation
The collection includes fashion shoots, portraits, and documentary series such as 'The Black Triangle' (1969-81) and 'Lambeth and Brixton Tube' (1994). Francis's work captures black British life and style from the 1960s onward, with images of Bob Marley, Notting Hill Carnival, and everyday scenes in London.
According to Autograph, the donation represents a 'major gift' that significantly expands their holdings of work by black photographers. Francis, born in Jamaica and based in London, is known for his focus on the black experience in the UK and diaspora.
Key Works in the Collection
Highlights include a 1973 fashion shoot for 19 Magazine set in Brixton Market, showing black models against the lively market backdrop. Francis described the shoot as 'an opportunity to showcase rare frames of black joy and celebration.' Another series, 'The Black Triangle,' was inspired by the slave trade route and documents civil rights and Rastafarian movements. Francis stated: 'There was no history of black photographers in England. I decided to make Black images, to capture how black people perform in a certain vernacular, with certain experiences and histories.'
Impact on Autograph's Collection
The gift includes prints, negatives, and digital files, making it one of the largest single donations to Autograph. The charity plans to digitize and exhibit the work, ensuring broader access. The collection also features commissions by Autograph, such as the 1994 'Lambeth and Brixton Tube' series and the 2008 'Windrush' portrait series.
