Peter Peryer Photographs of Patsy Dunn (second row, above)

In December 1983 Peter Peryer was commissioned to take a portrait study of Patsy Dunn, then 39. He ultimately printed five photographs and signed and dated them 13.1.84. They were all taken on 35mm Ilford black and white film and the prints measure 285 x 209 mm. Taken together they can be seen as a suite of photographs concerned primarily with the face as the source of character and identity, devoid of props and attributes. Only one extends to bust length. The close up focus commands scrutiny and goes beyond the superficial prettiness of the subject to the deeper thought and determination of the sitter. He also supplied a polaroid photo taken in December 1983 that shows her down to the waist with arms akimbo in a pose of forcefulness and energy. These photos have never been shown before and have interest for the fresh light they cast on his photographic practice.