Jennifer Saunders; Dawn French as 'French and Saunders'
- Artist: Trevor Leighton
- Date: 1989
- Medium: bromide print
- Dimensions: 15 3/4 in. x 14 1/8 in. (400 mm x 360 mm)
- Portrays: Dawn French, Jennifer Saunders
- Museum: The National Portrait Gallery
- Collection record: The National Portrait Gallery website
Listen to the free audio guide
About this artwork
This double portrait by Trevor Leighton shows Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders together as “French and Saunders.” The bromide print from 1989 captures them in their early stage costumes—two bright‑eyed, laughing faces that hint at the cabaret performances they shared before stepping onto television screens. Their first TV debut came on *The Comic Strip* in 1980, a show that ran for five series and helped launch their individual work such as Saunders’ “Absolutely Fabulous” and French’s “Murder Most Horrid.” The print is part of Leighton’s book *The Jokers*, which celebrated leading comedians with photographic portraits.
See it in person
Jennifer Saunders; Dawn French as 'French and Saunders' 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.
