Barry Kay

author · photographer

Australian[1] b. 1932, Melbourne, Australia[1] d. 1985, London, UK[1] active 1956–1985

Barry Kay (1932–1985) was an Australian-born artist who became a prominent figure in the British theatre and dance world. While primarily known as a set and costume designer for major ballet companies—including the Royal Ballet and the Australian Ballet—he also gained significant recognition as a photographer. His most notable photographic work, 'The Other Women' (1976), is a groundbreaking socio-anthropological documentary capturing the lives of transvestite and transsexual individuals in Sydney, Australia. Kay was recognized for his sensitivity to these marginalized communities, portraying them with dignity and aesthetic beauty. He lived in London from 1956 until his death in 1985 and held various academic positions as a lecturer in stage design.[1,2]

  • transgender identity
  • theatre design
  • ballet costume
  • socio-anthropology

Books

Works by Barry Kay

  • 1976 The Other Women Mathews Miller Dunbar Ltd · book · English · ISBN 0903811170 Photographs of Australian cross-dressers and transsexuals taken between 1974 and 1975.
  • 1976 As a Woman St. Martin's Press · book · English · ISBN 0-312065-00-1 American edition of 'The Other Women'.
  • 1976 Die anderen Frauen Dieter Fricke Verlag · book · German German edition of 'The Other Women'.

Exhibitions

  • 1976 Barry Kay: The Other Women The Photographers' Gallery, London · solo
  • 1997 Barry Kay – A Tribute (1932-1985) Victorian Arts Centre, Melbourne · solo

References

  1. Barry Kay Archive. Biography Abstract. link
  2. Barry Kay Archive. As a Woman / The Other Women. link