Artists on Both Sides of the Camera

Chapter in the book Seeing Each Other: Portraits of Artists, Melanie Vandenbrouck, Miriam O'Connor-Perks (eds.), Pallant House Gallery, 2025. The book was published to accompany an exhibition of the same at Pallant House Gallery, 17 May 2025 – 2 November 2025

Time and again, artists have portrayed one another to better understand their place within artistic circles and the history of art. Shining new light on famous relationships and bringing to the fore hidden stories and lesser-known artists working in Britain in the 20th and 21st centuries, this richly illustrated book considers how close bonds and intimate relationships have become catalysts for creativity.

Considering mutual emulation, rivalries, and homages to artists of the past, this publication includes insightful new essays from leading art historians and curators alongside conversations with contemporary artists to review 125 years of British portraiture and explore the intersection between friendships, inspiration and selfhood.

Seeing Each Other: Portraits of Artists showcases portraiture by major British artists including Michael Andrews, Patrick Caulfield, Lucian Freud, Maggi Hambling, Nina Hamnett, Barbara Hepworth, Lubaina Himid, David Hockney, Chantal Joffe, Augustus John, Mary McCartney, Ishbel Myerscough, Ben Nicholson, Winifred Nicholson, Celia Paul, Walter Sickert, Christopher Wood and many more.