Derek Jarman (1942-1994), Film-maker, painter and campaigner for homosexual rights

(Michael) Derek Elworthy Jarman

Sitter associated with 12 portraits
Painter and filmmaker. Jarman studied painting at the Slade School of Art (1963-7) before moving into costume and set design for the Royal Ballet. His first feature film Sebastiane (1976) explored modern Britain, artistic idols and homosexuality. Jubilee (1977) is a cult classic film of the punk era, made in the Silver Jubilee year of Queen Elizabeth II. Subsequent films include Caravaggio (1985), The Garden (1991), Wittgenstein (1993) and Blue (1994). Jarman was also known for his writing and poetry, his gardening, and his work as an influential gay rights activist. Jarman died of an AIDS related illness.