Reflecting on the recent Photo Oxford festival, we proudly look back at the pop-up reading room that successfully highlighted the significant, yet often overshadowed, contributions of women photographers to the world of photobooks. This specially curated space illuminated the unique perspectives of women, amplifying voices that have long been neglected due to embedded biases in the publishing industry and photobook media.
Providing a contrast to the traditional male gaze prevalent in the history of photography, this exhibition celebrated the diversity, complexity, and richness of female experiences captured through the lens of talented women photographers from across the globe. This exhibition served as a vital step towards rebalancing the narrative within the photography community, drawing attention to the vital work of women in the field.
“Thanks a lot, a great exhibition. How different the world of photography and actually the way we see the world would be if women were not excluded.” Victoria
Women and the Photobook pop-up library at The Bodleian, Photo Oxford April 2023
“The range of photo books was really excellent, featuring images from many years ago to those made in the past few years. I enjoyed being able to browse a selection of books and then having time to look at some in greater depth. The beauty of this event was that I was introduced to work from many photographer whose work I had never come across before. Most of the books were bought second-hand, which reduced the carbon footprint of the event.
Women are in the minority when it comes to photography in general, but also in camera clubs and particularly in print. This exhibition has helped to raise the profile of female photographers.” Judith White
Women and the Photobook pop-up library at The Bodleian, Photo Oxford April 2023
“An inspiring and revealing exhibition. Photobooks by women are practically invisible. This collection very much helps to rectify that.” Martin
Spread from Twinspotting, Ketaki Sheth. The Old Fire Station, Photo Oxford April 2023.
“As a young photographer my finances often struggle to accomodate for a personal collection of photo books. It is fantastic to have the opportunity to sit and enjoy the tactile nature of the photobook. Accessibility is crucial and spaces like these are one way we can better share out photographically. It is refreshing to see a large collection of what would typically not be stocked by mainstream book shops. The themes and concepts addressed in these works are critical conversations. Lovely invigilator and comfy chair.” Sophie R J
Rare-books reading room at The Bodleian, Photo Oxford April 2023
“The exhibition was beautifully presented and exposed me to photographers that I didn't know about. The variety of books explored lots of different themes. I also had the opportunity to go on the tour of rare photobook's in the library's collection. This further opened my eyes to some photographer's I had not come across before; I bought a new reprint of 'Byker' on the strength of seeing the original. Fab exhibition, which I'd love to see again.” Allister Godfrey
“What a wonderful way to spend time, sitting comfortably and realising how many fabulous women photographers there have been for generations - documenting people not normally captured by the male gaze and showing us their outlook and experiences. Thank you for bringing these photographers to our attention. A special thank you for a wonderful session in the rare book room at the Bodleian. What a treat!” Nicky L
Rare-books reading room at The Bodleian, Photo Oxford April 2023
“ I felt encouraged to take my time and enjoy the selected books. The books covered a wide sweep of photographers, some very well known and others that were new to me. There was a wide range of genres and topics on display, some of the books explored d themes that I personally had not seen represented before. I would happily visit again, to be honest I could have stayed for hours.” Karen Brickley
Women and the Photobook pop-up library at The Old Fire Station, Photo Oxford April 2023
“It was fascinating to have a fuller look at books I’d read about but not had the chance to fully explore. The Bieke Depoorter book is going to be with me for a long while and may well influence a few photo activities. Thank you for the care and expertise you have brought to the curation of this collection. I may well be back for a second visit.” Kevin B
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The Catalogue
The final catalogue for the “touchable books” exhibition
Ellen Auerbach, Berline - Tel Aviv - London - New York
Eve Arnold, In Britain
JEB, Eye to Eye: Portraits of Lesbians
Thérèse Bonney, Europe's Children: 1939 to 1943
Elizabeth B Brownell, Dream Children
Sophie Calle, l'Hotel
Julia Margaret Cameron, Victorian Photographs of Famous Men and Fair Women
Sian Davey, Martha
Bieke Depoorter, As It May Be
Nan Golden, The Beautiful Smile
Abigail Heyman, Growing up female: a personal photojournal
Mao Ishikawa, Red Flower, The Women of Okinawa
Lotte Jacobi, Theater and Dance Photographs
Phililppa James, 100 Women of Oxford
Petra Kroon, Silenced Womb
Deanna Lawson, What She Said
Susan Meiselas, Nicaragua: June 1978 - July 1979
Lee Miller, Wrens in Camera
Sarah Moon, Little Red Riding Hood
Hedda Morrison, A Photographer in Old Peking
Zanele Muholi, Somnyama Ngonyama
Ania Ready, I Also Fight Windmills
Cindy Sherman, The Complete Untitled Film Stills
Ketaki Sheth, Twinspotting
Marilyn Silverstone, The Black Hat Dances: Two Buddhist Boys in the Himalayas
Dayanita Singh, Dancing With My Camera
Brea Souders, Another Online Pervert
Hedda Walther, Mutter und Kind
The final catalogue for the rare-books reading room
Claudia Andujar, A Week in Bico’s World: Brazil
Diane Arbus, An Aperture Monograph
Margaret Bourke-White, Eyes on Russia
Julia Margaret Cameron, Alfred Tennyson's Idylls of the King and Other Poems
Graciela Iturbide, Avandaro
Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen, Byker
Del LaGrace Volcano and Judith “Jack” Halberstam, The Drag King Book
Dorothea Lange, An American Exodus
Markéta Luskaćová, On Death and Horses and Other People
Helen Levitt, A Way of Seeing
Leni Riefenstahl, Schonheit im Olympischen Kampf
Germain Krull, 100x Paris
Veronika Schapers, First You Have to Prove it to Me
Haein Song, Light/Folds
Clare Strand, Girl Plays with Snake
Ellen Thorbecke, People in China