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Helen at 5 (1959)
This was the earliest of NMK's series of portraits of his three daughters, painted as they were growing up. His 5-year-old eldest daughter Helen was the first to be taken to a photographic studio in Edgware. The artist drew on the poses set up by the photographer. He combined the facial expression captured in one shot with the arm and hand holding the folded fan in another, in order to satisfy his own sense of composition. He also chose the colour scheme that could not be reproduced in the black and white prints: deep red woollen dress, blue-grey backcloth and yellow fan. The child’s face and dark curly hair stand out against the large red collar with its white trim.
Helen at 5 was praised by The Guardian (8 April 1960): ‘He has captured a magic moment of childhood and given it a charm and grace all of its own. The warm eyes and the tender smile have also an impishness which is enchanting ... the whole effect is very pleasing’.