A Portrait Of The Menopause Book by Catrin Osborne Launch

Thursday 21st May, 7pm, Frome Town Hall (in association with Winstone’s Books)

When Catrin Osborne, a multidisciplinary artist born in Trowbridge, experienced menopause and it hit her “like a ton of bricks”, she decided to find out what other women going through it were experiencing.

Her quest took 3 years, travelling all over the UK and asking people about the positives and negatives of this time in their lives.

The result was an exhibition which toured the UK with portraits and interviews, and is now a photography book with stories from the women – in their words – published by Black Dog Press.

It acknowledges the first-hand experiences of 80 women and people who are experiencing menopause. All too often misunderstood by doctors and society, they share their first-hand accounts of physical and mental symptoms, of shame and isolation, but also of discovery, strength and newfound freedom.

“Visionary and just bad ass” Shaena – participant. Circus performer and director of Pirates Of The Carabina

“Moving and meaningful.. The images were beautiful and intimate in a warm-hearted, reflective way – and the texts were truly insightful,” Marissa Carnesky, artist, showwoman and practitioner-researcher

“This is such a beautiful book, it’s really interesting as a man to look at, as well. Because a lot of my friends are going through peri-menopause or menopause. It’s a great book to bring about understanding and togetherness as women coming together and sharing their stories through these beautiful, beautiful pictures,” Rober Diament. Director at The Carl Friedman Gallery and co-host of Talk Art Podcast with Russell Tovey

“A beautiful, bold, bright book that brings so many diverse experiences together. The photographs of over eighty women are beautiful, and it has been interesting to read about their experiences in their own words.” Diane Danzebrink, Make Menopause Matter Campaigner and author of “Making Menopause Matter”