Whoosh! Jacques Henri Lartigue's World of Colour – In Pictures
A new UK exhibition showcases the rarely seen colour photographs of French photographer and painter Jacques Henri Lartigue, revealing him as a bold pioneer of colour photography. The display at MK Gallery in Milton Keynes includes over 150 works, from early autochrome experiments to later abstract floral images.
The exhibition “Jacques Henri Lartigue: Life in Colour” at MK Gallery in Milton Keynes, running until 4 October, focuses on the colour work of the French artist best known for his black-and-white images of high society and modern life. Lartigue (1894–1986) was at the centre of France’s golden era of creativity, moving in circles that included Jean Cocteau, Grace Kelly and Pablo Picasso. Although he did not receive widespread critical acclaim until later in life, his colour photographs represent a significant yet overlooked part of his oeuvre.
Lartigue began experimenting with early colour photography as a teenager, at a time when the process was technically demanding. In 1912, he became interested in autochrome, techniques invented by the Lumière brothers. However, the long exposure times and cumbersome equipment led him to focus on painting throughout the 1930s. He returned to colour photography in the 1950s when modern colour processes became more widespread.
The exhibition features over 150 works, including early experimental stereoscopic images that produce three-dimensional effects, vintage prints, unique works on paper, and archival documents. Until recently, the majority of Lartigue’s colour photographs had never been seen, despite representing nearly 40% of the over 100,000 images in his archive, the Donation JH Lartigue.
Lartigue became known for his interest in documenting speed and movement, such as motor racing and aviation, and life on the French Riviera. He is regarded as a pioneer of the “spontaneous” snapshot, a departure from formal portraits, which later evolved into street photography and was popularised by Instagram. The exhibition traces his career from childhood drawings in the 1900s to fashion photography in the 1960s and abstract floral photographs in the 1970s.
Lartigue had a deep connection to Italy through his wife, Florette, who had Italian origins. He visited Piozzo with her during their summers – a region known for agricultural products, where corn is dried and ground to make polenta flour. The exhibition also includes a portrait of Florette painted by Dany Lartigue in 1945. All images are courtesy of Ministère de la Culture, France / AAJHL.
