Elisabeth Tomalin

Edith Tudor-Hart specialised in Social Realist photography but also carried out some work as a studio photographer. This intimate portrait of fellow emigree Elisabeth Tomalin (nee Wallach, 1912- 2012) was made for the sitter's professional use as a textile designer (she was then running a studio for Marks and Spencer). Tomalin's husband, left-wing writer and member of the International Brigade, Miles Tomalin, recalled Tudor-Hart 'slowly extricating herself from communist activism [...] a nice woman but obviously fighting a long defensive battle against all manner of unhappiness. She has a schizophrenic child. We have had her photograph Stefany a couple of times [...] she does it well'.