(Above) Michael Hoffman, chair of the Museum of London Development Board which supports the Museum's fundraising. City merchant, circa 1750, with Model Y Ford 8 motor car, 1932 - 7. Picture © Tom Hunter (2009)
Exhibition Preview: Flashback, Museum of London until March 2010
Young British photographer Tom Hunter owes much to the influence of Renaissance painters. In his best-known work, a 2005 documentation of the lives of Hackney residents taken from newspaper stories, his subjects were framed in the style of the genre, and Woman Reading a Possession Order, the picture which won him the Kobal Photographic Portrait Award in 1998, was based upon a painting by 17th-century Dutch Master Johannes Vermeer.
Danial and Sonam, Prior Weston School have helped create a display about childhood in the new Clore Learning Centre. London shoeblack boys, circa 1850. Selfridges department store lift, 1928. Picture © Tom Hunter (2009)
The NPG suggest his portraits for this commission, marking the opening of their new Galleries of Modern London, have the rich and sinister style of Old Masters, taking museum designers in 18th century dress and positioning them on Vespas or making 1960s fashion sirens stare at decadent cakes from the hands of 19th century food manufacturers.
Elizabeth Scott, Project Assistant on the Galleries of Modern LondonMini-dress, 1966. Lyons Corner House restaurant window, 1922. Picture © Tom Hunter (2009)
"I wanted to convey the freedom to travel in time, as you would do when you walk through the Museum itself," retorts Hunter to the NPG's pronouncement of his status as "a time lord travelling from one period to the next."
Gail Symington, Lead designer of the Galleries of Modern London. Silk panier dress, 1770s. Vespa scooter, 1950s. Picture © Tom Hunter (2009)
"I set out to confuse by creating surprising portraits that steal from different times and fashions."
Professor Jack Lohman, Director of the Museum, says it is "thrilled" to have asked Hunter to produce the portraits, having become the first institution to collect his work 14 years ago.
Jane Bennett, Exhibition Project Manager of the Galleries of Modern London. Lyons teashop Nippy waitress, 1933. Wellclose Square prison cell, early 18th century. Picture © Tom Hunter (2009)
"These are hugely exciting times as we work to create a revitalised, world-class museum," he added.
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