Jean Muir
- Artist: Glenys Barton
- Date: 1992
- Medium: ceramic statuette
- Dimensions: 26 in. x 5 1/2 in. (660 mm x 140 mm) overall
- Portrays: Jean Elizabeth Muir
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
In front of you stands Glenys Barton's ceramic statuette of Jean Muir, created in 1992. The piece measures just over two feet long but captures the designer’s poised figure with fine detail. Notice how Barton chose a quiet, uncluttered pose—much like Muir’s own understated fashion. The artist worked from photographs that Muir herself provided, which helped keep her likeness true to life. The title is “Jean Muir,” and the quotation above reminds us of Muir’s belief: “The clothes in themselves do not make a statement.” Feel free to linger and admire how this simple form carries her elegance.
See it in person
Jean Muir is in the collection of The National Portrait Gallery at St Martin's Place, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
