Jo Spence in a motorcycle helmet.

Helmet shot.

[1982]

1 photograph : black and white print ; sheet 26.4 x 20.3 cm, mount 43.8 x 31.4 cm

Jo Spence (1934 - 1992) started as a commercial photographer, and in the 1970s she moved to critical documentary photography. In 1974 she met her long-term collaborator, Terry Dennett, with whom she established the Photography Workshop Ltd. Her work was both politically aware and personal, considering social issues, sexuality, power and health. She worked collaboratively throughout her career, in the 1970s and early 80s with the Hackney Flashers and Polysnappers, and in 1984, she developed Photo-therapy with Rosy Martin. Diagnosed with cancer in 1982 much of her subsequent work reflected her experiences, including the ‘A picture of Health?’ series (1982-86). In 1990 she was diagnosed with leukemia, and ‘The Final Project’ work was a response to this. She wrote extensively, and in 1984 published ‘Putting myself in the picture’.

Jo Spence. 1982. Jo Spence in a motorcycle helmet. [Photograph]. Wellcome Collection 3063623i

Created in collaboration with Terry Dennett.

The work is untitled. The image was refered to as 'Helmet shot' by Richard Saltoun gallery.

Versions of this image were included in 'A picture of health?' project (1982-86).

Purchased by Wellcome Collection in 2016 from the Estate of Jo Spence through the Richrad Saltoun Gallery, London. Richard Saltoun stock code: JOS909.