I’ve just spotted this on the Seen Magazine Facebook page from 13th December 2012.

“Congratulations to April Ashely who today received her MBE. Photo Matt Ford.”

I found out last year that there will be a new and rather grand exhibition dedicated to April in the new Museum of Liverpool.

Apart from the fact LGBT issues are being represented there (most specifically transgender) but I’m also hopeful that I will get some more of my work on display in a national museum!

Fingers crossed.

April Ashley (born on 29th April 1935) was a high profile fashion model in her early career, (including Vogue) before she was the first person to be outed by the Sunday people in 1961 as a transsexual.

She has gone on to become an inspiration to thousands and then appointed Member of the Order of The British Empire (MBE) in the 2012 Birthday Honers for service to Transgender equality.

I’m looking forward to finding out more when the exhibition is ready…

This video was filmed during her visit to St George's Hall. The same time the photograph was taken above.

Thursday 5 April 2012

Filmed at Matt Ford Studio.

A video installation by photographer Matt Ford.
Edited by Laura Scott. www.babywhale.co.uk
Corset by www.BoobyTrappCorsets.com
Burlesque performed by Millie Dollar.
Hair and makeup concept by Hannah Ellen.
Additional music played by Stuart Williams.

In conjunction with his photographic exhibition, Fashion Outside the Capital, Matt will be exploring the concept of moving images used in modern fashion media.

By mixing filming techniques reminiscent of the early 20th century and experimental digitalised editing this series of short clips highlight how fashion will always be a little bit of history repeated.

One edit will be posted directly to the Internet. "This is the direction of fashion today and the relevant way to show the piece." An alternative edit will also be shown at the space for the duration along side it's sister piece, an A1 editorial photograph of the model Millie Dollar.

MF