Full Breakdown
Don McCullin's Final Exhibition: A Journey Through Roman Sculpture
1/29/2026, 2:37:38 PM
Overview of the Exhibition
The Holburne Museum in Bath is currently hosting an exhibition titled *Don McCullin: Broken Beauty*, which showcases the renowned photojournalist Sir Don McCullin's photographs of Roman sculptures. This exhibition marks a significant departure from McCullin's well-known work documenting conflict and humanitarian crises, presenting instead a collection of images captured during his visits to major museums around the world. The exhibition runs from January 30 to May 4, 2026.
McCullin's Artistic Evolution
At 90 years old, McCullin has announced that this exhibition, along with a final trip to the Vatican to photograph additional statues, will serve as his swansong in photography. He expressed a sense of fatigue after over 60 years in the field, stating, “I’m too old to work now... I’m going to basically give up photography because I’m just simply physically too old.” His fascination with Roman statues began in the 1970s during travels in North Africa with writer Bruce Chatwin, leading to the publication of his book *Southern Frontiers: A Journey Across The Roman Empire*. This project allowed McCullin to step outside his comfort zone and explore a different aspect of art.
The Artistic Approach
The photographs in the exhibition are characterized by striking jet black backgrounds, which McCullin describes as reflective of a "dark side" stemming from his experiences in war. Chris Stephens, the director of the Holburne Museum, emphasized the emotional depth in McCullin's work, stating, “however horrific the subject matter, he’s got this amazing empathy, and draws out the humanity of the people he’s photographing.” The black backgrounds are noted for their physical quality, enhancing the sculptures' presence and inviting viewers to contemplate their resilience and vulnerability.
Broader Implications of the Work
Stephens remarked on the complexity of McCullin's interest in the Roman Empire, suggesting that the broken and damaged sculptures serve as reminders of the impermanence of civilizations. This theme resonates with McCullin's broader body of work, which often reflects on the human condition amidst conflict and tragedy.
Future Plans
Following the exhibition and his final visit to the Vatican, McCullin plans to shift his focus to gardening in Somerset, expressing a desire to cultivate dahlias and tomatoes. This transition marks a significant personal change for the artist as he steps away from a career that has profoundly impacted the field of photography.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’m too old to work now. After 60-odd years, I’m slightly tired of it all, really. I’m going to do this one last visit to the Vatican. And then I’m going to basically give up photography because I’m just simply physically too old. Your body, in a way, has the final say.” — Don McCullin
- “The black has a sort of almost physical quality. It’s actual ‘stuff’. The intensity of that black is phenomenal.” — Chris Stephens, Director of the Holburne Museum
Conclusion
*Don McCullin: Broken Beauty* not only showcases the artist's photographic journey but also reflects on the enduring nature of art and the human experience. As McCullin prepares to conclude his illustrious career, this exhibition serves as a poignant reminder of his contributions to both the art world and the documentation of history.
