Franciszka Themerson, Two Pious Persons Making their Way to Heaven, one propellered, one helicoptered, with a little angel below 1951. Tate. © Estate of Franciszka Themerson and Stefan Themerson.
These films, drawings and paintings mingle tragedy and humour to explore the turbulent years before and after the Second World War
Born Franciszka Weinles in Poland in 1907, Franciszka Themerson trained as a musician, graphic designer and painter in Warsaw. There, she also met her husband, Stefan Themerson. The couple often collaborated as artists. They made five short independent films together in the 1930s, which established them as the most important experimental filmmakers in inter-war Poland.
At a time of rising fascism in Europe, the Themersons’ work challenged social conformity and revealed their belief in individual freedoms. The title of this display is taken from their 1937 film, The Adventure of a Good Citizen. With a central character determined to move forward while walking backwards, it celebrates alternative perspectives on the world.
In 1938, the pair moved to Paris to continue their work. They both volunteered for the Polish army in France but were separated during the war. Following the Nazi invasion in 1940, Franciszka was able to leave for London while Stefan remained in hiding, fearing persecution. In exile, Franciszka had little ability to communicate with her husband in France, or with her Jewish family imprisoned in the Warsaw Ghetto. Instead, the artist poured her wartime experiences into a series of drawings she called Unposted Letters (1940-42). The couple were reunited in 1942, but only one member of their families survived the Holocaust.
Franciszka and Stefan remained in London for the rest of their lives, where she continued to work across multiple disciplines: drawing, painting, illustration, theatre and book design. In her post-war paintings, three of which are shown here, she portrays a search for meaning. Fluidly drawn into thickly painted surfaces, her unruly figures convey her experience of living in our ‘strange universe’.
Curated by Hilary Floe, Senior Curator, Modern and Contemporary British Art; with Saskia Flower, Assistant Curator, Modern and Contemporary British Art; and Michal Goldschmidt, former Assistant Curator, Modern British Art.
Chris Steele-Perkins, Boarding Houses, Blackpool 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Cricket Match, Hampshire 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, British Movement Demonstration, London 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Territorial Army Practice Repelling a Soviet Invasion 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Circus Acrobats at Crystal Palace 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Juliana’s Summer Party, London 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Tableau of Emmerdale Farm, Blackpool 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Prince Edward at Berkeley Square Ball 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Crufts Dog Show 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Anti-nuclear Missile Demonstration at Greenham Common 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Hypnosis Demonstration, Cambridge University Ball 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Ballroom Dancing, Blackpool 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Anti-apartheid Street Theater, London 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Wedding Reception for Thalidomide Victim 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Circus Clown Drops his Trousers 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Photo-opportunity During Territorial Army Exercise 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and Admirers at Conservative Party Conference 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Alternative Cabaret Act in Disco, Dartford 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Drag Ball, London 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Self-defence Class, Brick Lane 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Police Photo Opportunity. Controlling Violent Man in Small Room 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, ‘Vogueing’ at a Gay-night in The Fringe, London 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Circus Elephant, Crystal Palace 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Blackpool Beach 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Cambridge University Spring Ball 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Alternative Cabaret Group, Birmingham 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Chris Steele-Perkins, Golden Mile, Blackpool 1980–9
The Pleasure Principle 1980–9 is a set of forty-four colour cibachrome photographic prints depicting scenes of leisure and enjoyment in Britain in the 1980s. The subjects of the photographs range from youth culture and sport to political associations and countryside hobbies. The collection also includes a portrait of then Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. In each case, Steele-Perkins highlighted what he considered to be specifically ‘British’ pursuits and activities, prompting a reflection on the state of British society. Returning to England after spending time photographing abroad, Steele-Perkins experienced a kind of culture shock. He has described how:
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artworks in Franciszka Themerson
Art in this room
Chris Steele-Perkins
Boarding Houses, Blackpool
1980–9
Chris Steele-Perkins
Cricket Match, Hampshire
1980–9
Chris Steele-Perkins
British Movement Demonstration, London
1980–9
Chris Steele-Perkins
Territorial Army Practice Repelling a Soviet Invasion
1980–9
Chris Steele-Perkins
Circus Acrobats at Crystal Palace
1980–9
Chris Steele-Perkins
Juliana’s Summer Party, London
1980–9
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