Collection boosted by works of tragic US photographer

The photographer produced 800 works before her untimely death at the age of just 22.

The five are the latest – and oldest additions – to Ferens Art Gallery’s growing collection of contemporary photography.

Curator of art Kirstin Simister said she had been a fan since seeing her work: “Francesca Woodman died in 1981 – her work was produced in the 1970s and in that context she was very innovative in an era when photographs weren’t really regarded as being art.

“Even now to a certain extent that attitude prevails.

“She was obviously experimental and since her death her work has been increasingly recognised.

“I feel it has something that is very personal and universal and quite quirky – and we also felt it would appeal to younger visitors.”

Though small in scale Woodman’s introspective self-portraits have drawn admirers for decades.

The first major exhibitions of her work in America for 25 years were mounted at the Museum of Modern Art, San Francisco and Guggenheim in New York earlier this year.

The art gallery bought the works for £16,500 using a fund set up by the politician, industrialist and philanthropist TR Ferens, after whom the gallery is named, and the V&A Purchase Grant Fund.

Volunteers at the gallery helped select the works.

They are now included in a re-hang of the permanent collection featuring artists such as Ian Breakwell, Helen Chadwick, Gavin Turk and Thomas Ruf

Ms Simister said: “The gallery is in a really fortunate position to have this endowment fund which was provided by TR Ferens, the person who provided the money for the building of the new art gallery in the 1920s.

“It has allowed the Ferens collection to grow and develop rather than being static. Many of the Old Masters in the collection we acquired particularly between 1960 and 1980 when they were affordable.”

Simon Green, Hull City Council’s Head of Heritage, said: “It’s great to see further significant additions made to the Gallery’s remarkable art collection and we hope the public will continue to come in and enjoy them.”