Untitled (three older women in dresses with corsages with drinks, cigarettes and c. 1955

This photograph by Paul Gittings captures three older women, adorned in dresses and corsages, enjoying drinks and cigarettes. While the exact date of the image is unknown, the scene evokes a sense of mid-20th century social life. What strikes me is how Gittings frames these women. They are not simply posing; they are actively engaged in leisure, in conversation, perhaps, in the rituals of their social world. The photograph challenges typical representations of older women, moving beyond stereotypes of fragility to depict them as vibrant, autonomous individuals. The drinks, cigarettes, and fashionable attire suggest a certain level of affluence and independence, hinting at the complex interplay of gender, class, and age. This image invites us to reflect on the lives of women in past eras, offering a glimpse into their social interactions and personal expressions. It's a celebration of their presence, their agency, and the stories they carry.