Model Image brings glamour to Lady Lever Art Gallery

Liverpool's June Duncan is celebrated in the latest exhibition at the Lady Lever Art Gallery.

The late model, who died in 2014, rose from being a child actor before the Second World War to become one of the most glamorous models of the 1950s.

Now the glamour of the decade's fashions is being recalled in Model Image, which features a mixture of stunning portraits of Duncan - taken by some of the most celebrated photographers of the time - and stylish evening gowns and accessories from the National Museums Liverpool collection.

Senior curator Pauline Rushton says: "June was born in the Liverpool suburb of Mossley Hill and went on to appear as a model in the most iconic fashion magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Vanity Fair and Tatler.

“It's been a privilege to find out about June’s stellar rise from her sister Barbara, who has so kindly shared June’s photographs and memoirs with us. We’re excited to show the beautifully evocative photographs that really capture the refined grace of the decade."

Born in 1924, June Duncan was a young actor at the Empire and Playhouse, and saw wartime service with the Wrens.

After the war she worked in Paris, modelling for French Vogue and coturiers like Christian Dior.

Model Image: fashion and photos from the 1950s is at the Lady Lever Art Gallery from October 20 to April 15.