Gemma Rolls-Bentley explores ‘Dorothy Hepworth and Patricia Preece’

Join curator and author Gemma Rolls-Bentley as she uncovers the extraordinary story of Dorothy Hepworth and Patricia Preece – a duo whose secret artistic collaboration and lifelong romantic partnership remained hidden for decades…

‘It really demonstrates Dorothy and Patricia’s resilience, the way they managed to stay together even within these pretty restrictive structures that they were forced to operate within.’

Watch the film in full below as Gemma dives deeper into this story of queer survival at Charleston in Lewes.

Dorothy Hepworth and Patricia Preece: An Untold Story is open until 8 September at Charleston in Lewes. Get your tickets here.

Open alongside is Duos: The Art of Collaboration a new group exhibition showcasing shared canvases, dynamic working practices and collaborative identities that celebrate the creative force of partnerships.

This exhibition runs in tandem with the publication of ‘The Secret Life of Dorothy Hepworth aka Patricia Preece’ by Denys J. Wilcox, exhibition advisor to Charleston for the exhibition.

Film by Tom Thistlethwaite