National Portrait Gallery, London, 2008

Portraits, from their permanent collection.

'This display marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Yousuf Karsh, one of the most important portrait photographers of the twentieth century. Fascinated by 'greatness', Karsh photographed many eminent public figures, from world leaders to Hollywood stars, during a career that spanned seven decades. His glamorous professional life was in marked contrast to his early years as a refugee from civil unrest in his native Armenia. Sent to live with an uncle in Canada, Karsh became enamoured of his adopted country, and his uncle's profession as a photographer.

A career defining opportunity came in 1941 when Karsh photographed Winston Churchill. It became one of the most famous portrait photographs of the century, and established Karsh as the photographer of society's top-rank. Celebrities and statesmen alike asked to be 'Karshed', a term coined by the World War II hero, Field Marshal Montgomery. Karsh used pose and artificial lighting to imbue his sitters with a sense of timeless dignity, and to enhance their charismatic qualities.'

Terence Pepper
Curator of Photography
National Portrait Gallery
London