Maren Hahnfeld has worked with students from Hillcroft College to create the photographic project, ‘Objects of Essence’. Hillcroft College, The National Residential College for Women, was founded in 1919 to provide respite and education for all working women. Situated in a Victorian mansion in Surbiton, Surrey, the college continues to offer residential courses for women from all walks of life, enabling them to continue their education and to build a future for themselves. To those who qualify, the college offers free accommodation, meals and childcare. Hillcroft College is the only institution of its type in the UK.

Some of the women Maren has worked with have lived at the college for a year, others stayed for only a few days. She asked each student to identify an item of their belongings that they would save from their room, in the event of a fire. Maren photographed the women holding their objects in the grounds of the college. After taking their photograph, she asked each woman to write a few sentences explaining why they had chosen their particular item, and what it meant to them. 

‘Objects of Essence’ features eleven women; each set contains a portrait, an image of the woman’s hands holding the item and a brief explanation of why the object was chosen. A further group of images portray Hillcroft College and the grounds. ‘Objects of Essence’ coincides with the production of ‘The Lady from the Sea’ at the Rose Theatre. This exhibition has been possible with support from the Royal Borough of Kingston Upon Thames and Photofusion in Brixton. 

 

 

MAREN HAHNFELD                            .

 

Maren Hahnfeld graduated from The London College of Printing in 1996 with a BAhons in Photography. She completed an MA in Film and TV Production at Bristol University in 1998. Since then, Maren has worked as a director/producer for BBC Factual Television as well as independent production companies. Maren has also produced documentaries for film festivals and charities. Currently, Maren works as a part-time lecturer at Kingston University and freelance photographer.    

Telling people’s stories has always been at the heart of Maren’s work. Maren produces intense portraits, often exhibited alongside quotes from her sitters. It is important to Maren that the people she photographs play an active part in their representation. 

 

 

For further information or publicity images call 0790 5530 580 or email maren@madasafish.com

 

 

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