Antony Penrose: The Legacy of Lee Miller, My Mother

She was a fashion model turned Surrealist photographer. A trailblazing war photo-journalist. A fearless artist who documented the liberation of Dachau – and a woman who kept her darkest stories hidden. Join Antony Penrose, son of Lee Miller and author of the acclaimed biography The Lives of Lee Miller, for a fascinating evening exploring the extraordinary life and legacy of one of the 20th century’s most iconic – and enigmatic – women.

As co-director of the Lee Miller Archives and The Penrose Collection, Antony has spent decades uncovering the truth about his mother’s life: from her time as a Vogue model and Man Ray’s partner, to her courageous work as a WWII photographer. His bestselling biography has now been adapted into a major film starring Kate Winslet as Miller – bringing new attention to a woman who refused to be defined by any one role, least of all motherhood.

A photographer himself, Penrose will share personal stories, rarely seen images and reflections on memory, family, and the act of keeping history – and his mother’s complicated but trailblazing energy – alive.

This event will be chaired by Jennifer Thatcher. Jen is an art historian, critic and public programmes curator, with a deep knowledge of contemporary art and the ways we speak and write about it. She co-curated the 2023 Folkestone Book Festival and previously devised the public programmes for the Folkestone Triennial and the Whitstable Biennale. From 2003 to 2010, she was co-director of Talks at the ICA, London. Passionate about Lee Miller, Jen will bring warmth, insight and curiosity to this discussion.

Please note: this event lasts for one hour, followed by an opportunity to purchase the book upstairs in The Clearing and have it signed by the author

FIND OUT MORE

Folkestone Book Festival is our annual celebration of books, bold ideas and the power of storytelling – by the sea. Curated by award-winning author and journalist Sophie Haydock (The Flames, Madame Matisse), this year’s programme features more than 50 events over 11 days, bringing together world-class writers, radical thinkers and unforgettable conversations – all inspired by Folkestone’s spirit of enabling creativity and transformative change.

We want the festival to be for everyone. That’s why we’ve introduced a £5 ticket – a no-questions-asked option for anyone who might be struggling to afford events.

And if you’re planning to come to more than a handful of events, don’t miss our great-value Festival Pass, which gives you access to all events (excluding classes, which need to be booked separately) for just £140.

There’s so much to discover – from headline talks to intimate workshops, big ideas to local voices. Check out the full programme, including our much-loved Local Talent Showcase and a new series of Creative Writing Workshops designed to spark your imagination.

We delighted that our onsite bookseller this year is Waterstones Folkestone.

We thank our major sponsor Saga and supporting sponsors Eurotunnel, Holiday Extras and Friends of the Folkestone Book Festival along with our Education Partner, Canterbury Christ Church University for making this year's festival possible. Creative Folkestone is also supported by Arts Council England, Folkestone and Hythe District Council and The Roger De Haan Charitable Trust.