Exhibition preview: Studio Sittings: Photographing Royal Academicians, Leighton House Museum, London, until May 12 2013

Artist’s studios are, perhaps sensibly, often kept hidden from wider view. In the Victorian times of Frederic, Lord Leighton, they were places of prestige for incumbents capable of commanding celebrity status.

The president of the Royal Academy for 18 years at the end of the 19th century called Leighton House his “private palace of art”, encapsulated by the golden-domed, mosaic-filled Arab hall, where the walls are lined with intricate Islamic tiles.

“It provided the perfect environment,” says Anne Purkiss, discussing the decision to show her photos of Royal Academicians at the Holland Park house. Taken over 25 years they boast a line-up including Dame Elisabeth Frink, Antony Gormley and Grayson Perry.

“This exhibition is special for me. I have been intrigued by the contrast between the public perception of Royal Academy artists and their role in Victorian society, compared to contemporary Academicians today.

“One obvious difference I noticed was the absence of women among the early portraits of Royal Academy artists.

“It is very satisfying to be able to show, with this selection of modern Royal Academicians, that things are beginning to change. The portraits of some highly respected women artists will be on display too.”

The backdrops are also striking. Brought together for the first time, they take in warehouses, farms, a garden shed, a converted chapel and high-rise blocks of flats.

“The setting for these portraits reflects the variety of studio spaces used or created by contemporary artists,” reflects Daniel Robbins, the Senior Curator for the museum.

“Almost all of them are shown in the context of their studios.

“The portraits here underline how important the studio had become – not just as a space in which to work, but in communicating the image and status of the artist.”

• Open 10am-5.30pm. Admission £5/£3 (includes re-admission for 12 months). Follow the museum on Twitter @RBKCleightOnH.

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