WOMEN, PHOTOGRAPHY & POLITICS
LANDMARK PORTRAIT PROJECT CELEBRATING WOMEN MPs HEADS TOWARDS PUBLICATION
A groundbreaking, women-led photography initiative has created an important visual record of the women serving in the UK Parliament at a historic moment for political representation.
Following the 2024 General Election, women made up more than 40% of MPs for the first time in British parliamentary history. To mark the milestone, the Royal Photographic Society’s Women in Photography Group created The 40% Project, a nationwide portrait series pairing women MPs with women photographers.
Around 130 women photographers from across the UK have taken part, creating portraits of almost every woman MP in Westminster, constituencies, workplaces, community spaces and locations personally chosen by the MPs.
Sue Wright, Chair of the RPS Women in Photography Group and lead of The 40% Project, said:
“This project is about far more than reaching a percentage. It is about ensuring that the women shaping Parliament today are seen, photographed and preserved as part of our shared history.
“Together, women photographers have created an extraordinary body of work that records the individuality, leadership and contribution of women MPs across the political spectrum.”
The project is being brought together in a substantial hardback photobook, 40%: Inspiring Women MPs Photographed by Women, produced in collaboration with independent publisher Image & Reality.
A Kickstarter campaign is currently raising the funds needed to print the book and ensure that this historic collection is preserved in a permanent physical form. The campaign ends on 30th July.
Kickstarter campaign:
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/iar/the-40-project
Once published, a copy of the book will be deposited with the British Library as part of the national published record, enabling future generations to discover the women, photographs and stories behind this important moment in British history.
Local photographer, Wendy G Davies created portraits of three local MPs including Zöe Franklin, Liberal Democrat MP for Guildford.
Wendy said:
“I met Zöe at Bellfield’s Green in Guildford. Zöe was keen to be photographed in a place with strong personal links. During her time as a councillor here, she was instrumental in improving Bellfields Green, a well-loved area of green space that deeply enriches the lives of local residents. Zöe chose this parkland for her portrait - a beautiful oasis in the middle of a large housing estate where her political career began.
Zöe was very generous with her time, rushing from an interview with a local radio station in order to meet me. Her main goal is to be a strong advocate in Westminster for her constituents. The environment, health, and championing the needs of her local communities so that they can thrive are central to her role as an MP, something she does with her naturally collaborative and approachable style.
Zöe and I chatted about a tree that she’d helped to plant to honour Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The portrait shows Zöe beside this tree and with the iconic, and much-loved, Guildford Cathedral in the background.
Taking part in the project was a fantastic experience. I’m proud of the three portraits I took and when I look at them, I remember good times, chatting to decent women and snapping away - two of my favourite pastimes! I feel privileged to be a part of this wonderful community of women who between us have achieved something special.”
