Discover Lee Miller's Wartime Britain

The fact that Lee Miller, an American with no permit to work, was able to use her camera as her principal means of combat during World War II is a testament to her determination and skill as a photographer. Her work, which will be on display at Farleys House & Gallery in Lewes on Tuesday, 3 November 2026, showcases her experiences as a war correspondent and photographer for Vogue during this time. The exhibition, titled Grim Glory: Lee Miller's Britain at War, will feature Miller's photographs of the Blitz, civilians braving the destruction around them, and their contributions to the war effort, as well as wartime fashion, camouflage, and the women in the armed forces on the home front.

Lee Miller's background is as intriguing as her photography. Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, in 1907, Miller began her career as a fashion model in New York before moving to Paris, where she became a fashion and fine-art photographer. She studied lighting, costume, and design at Ladislas Medgyes' School of Stagecraft and later studied life drawing and painting at the Art Students League of New York. Her collaboration with the Surrealist photographer Man Ray led to the development of solarisation as a distinctive visual signature.

The exhibition at Farleys House & Gallery is a unique opportunity to see Miller's work up close and learn more about her experiences as a war correspondent and photographer. The gallery, which is home to the Lee Miller Archives, is an artists' house, gallery, and sculpture garden that opens from April to October. Tickets are with the button beside the article. The Lee Miller Archives, which hold over 60,000 images and documents, are co-founded by Miller's son Antony Penrose and are available for supply and reproduction.

The Grim Glory: Lee Miller's Britain at War exhibition is a must-visit for anyone interested in photography, history, and the experiences of women during World War II. Farleys House & Gallery, located in Lewes, is the perfect venue to host this exhibition, given its connection to Lee Miller's life and work. The gallery serves light lunches and refreshments, making it an ideal destination for a day out. With its unique collection of Miller's photographs, the exhibition is sure to provide a compelling insight into her work and experiences during this pivotal moment in history.