More Than a Muse : Creative Partnerships That Sold Talented Women Short

How many times have you seen a female artist solely referred to as the wife, girlfriend, or worse, 'mistress' of a man in the public eye? Throughout history, the talent of creative women – from artists to writers – has been consumed by the cult of the 'male genius'. More then a Muse unpacks the male-orientated history and unravels the complex romantic relationships that have often ensured women remain overshadowed, anonymous and ripped off. Author Katie McCabe shines a light on the women who deserved credit in their time, revealing the true stories of talents like Dora Maar (the skilled photographer, painter and writer who was reduced to the role of 'Picasso's lover') and Alma Reville (the backseat director of Hitchcock's films). And by exploring a broad scope of art movements and artists (from surrealism to silent film), she reclaims a well-worn narrative in order to give wronged female creatives the credit they deserve. Those newly given the spotlight include Camille Claudel (Rodin's lover), Jo Hopper (wife of Edward) and Shirley du Bois of the Harlem Renaissance. More then a Muse is a re-evaluation of our cultural history and a take two on what could (and should) have been.