Visible Women by acclaimed photographer Lucy Sewill will run at the Dorset Museum & Art Gallery from March 7 to April 28, 2026.
The exhibition, on display in the Alice Ellen Cooper Dean Community Space, addresses gender inequality and ageism in the entertainment industry through a series of portraits of some of Britain’s most celebrated actresses.
“With roles for women dropping sharply at middle age, and stark inequalities in recognition and opportunity, the imbalance is clear.
“Visible Women is my response — a call for authentic representation and for women’s stories to be valued at every age.”
The project was inspired by the Acting Your Age campaign, founded by Nicky Clark.
To mark International Women’s Day on March 8, Dorset Museum & Art Gallery will host an in-conversation event with Ms Sewill and actress Juliet Stevenson.
Juliet Stevenson is one of Britain’s most distinguished actors, celebrated for her extensive work with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre, as well as for a remarkable screen career.
She received widespread acclaim for her performance in Truly, Madly, Deeply and has appeared in a range of notable films, including Bend It Like Beckham, Mona Lisa Smile, Emma, and Infamous.
Visible Women: Lucy Sewill in Conversation with Juliet Stevenson will take place on Saturday, March 7, at 6.30pm and will explore creativity and representation in the arts.
Together, Sewill and Stevenson will reflect on the ideas, challenges and personal stories at the heart of the project, offering insight into the realities of sustaining a creative life as a woman.
Tickets are available at Dorset Museum’s website.
