Twiggy

1 portrait by Ronald Traeger

© estate of Ronald Traeger

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Twiggy

by Ronald Traeger
cibachrome print from a transparency of vintage contact sheet, February 1967
15 3/8 in. x 10 in. (390 mm x 255 mm)
Purchased, 2002
Photographs Collection
NPG x125453

Sitterback to top

Artistback to top

  • Ronald Traeger (1936-1968), Photographer. Artist or producer of 8 portraits.

This portraitback to top

The first published photographs of Twiggy were taken by Lewis Morley, but it was Barry Lategan's studies of her in the Daily Express with her haircut created by Leonard that launched her as 'the Face of 1966'. Ronald Traeger photographed her on a number of occasions. This contact shows his method of working and the facsimile enlargement 'a blow-up' is inscribed by him to show Twiggy's favoured choice.

Linked publicationsback to top

  • 100 Photographs, 2018, p. 95 Read entry

    Launched by a famous cropped haircut, shaped by Leonard and coloured by Daniel Galvin, Twiggy (b.1949) was arguably the world’s first supermodel. Born Lesley Hornby, she was given the pet names ‘Sticks’ and ‘Twigs’ because of her thin legs. Named ‘The Face of 1966’ in an article by the Daily Express journalist Deirdre McSharry, she was the embodiment of the 1960s look and influenced a generation of teenagers. Her acting career developed when she appeared in Ken Russell’s film version of Sandy Wilson’s stage musical The Boy Friend (1971), and she made her Broadway debut in My One and Only (1983-5), based on music by George and Ira Gershwin. American photographer Ronald Traeger (1936-68) photographed her on a number of occasions. The contact sheet shows his method of working and is inscribed by him to show Twiggy’s favoured shots.

Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top

Events of 1967back to top

Current affairs

Harold Wilson decides to devalue the pound by nearly 15% in order to ' break out from the straitjacket' of boom and bust economics. The decision was controversial and prompted Wilson to reassure the public that the 'pound in your pocket' would not be worth any less.

Art and science

The Beatles release Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, with a record sleeve designed by pop artist, Peter Blake. The band's musical experimentation and colourful new look was an example of psychedelic, and the LP is often regarded as one of the first concept albums.

International

Che Guevara is captured and executed in Bolivia. The guerrilla leader and revolutionary icon was hunted down by the CIA and captured and shot by Bolivian Special Forces. He had been leading Bolivian insurgents in an attempt to overthrow the government.

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