Pioneers of early cinema are shown alongside leading contemporary artists in a new display at the Whitechapel Gallery.

Twixt Two Worlds is drawn from the collections of Contemporary Art Society member museums across the south of England and is part of the Whitechapel Gallery’s programme opening up public and private collections for everyone.

The exhibition – which takes its title from a book about the famous 19th century medium William Eglinton – maps the pivotal moment in cinema history when still photography evolved into moving images. Inspired by John and William Barnes’ collection of early moving image apparatus held in Hove Museum, this shift is explored through objects, photographs and film.

Highlights of the Contemporary Art Society exhibition include magic lanterns and slides from the late 19th century, films and photographs by pioneers such as William Friese-Greene, Eadweard Muybridge and Albert Smith. Alongside these influential figures are works by contemporary artists including Susan Hiller, Saskia Olde-Wolbers and Steven Pippin who revisit the history and techniques of early film.

Founded in 1910, the Contemporary Art Society supports public museums and galleries across the UK, through new acquisitions, gifts, advocacy and advice.

Contemporary Art Society: Twixt Two Worlds is conceived by Arts Council-funded Curatorial Fellow Gaia Tedone in collaboration with the Whitechapel Gallery. It is the fourth and final exhibition in a year-long series of displays showcasing important works of art from regional museums across England. This year-long series of displays is supported by a major grant from Arts Council England. The Whitechapel Gallery’s programme of collection displays is supported by specialist art insurer Hiscox.

https://research.gold.ac.uk/id/eprint/21611