An artist and director of circus theatre who moved to Ramsgate in 2021 has published a collection of photographs and personal stories about the menopause, six years after undertaking the task.
Catrin Osborne, who also teaches Yoga, started out on her journey when her own menopause hit her “like a ton of bricks.”
Catrin decided to give a platform to women’s unspoken, sometimes unexpected, journeys. She has since travelled the country, photographing and interviewing women from all walks of life and asking what menopause means to them.
The new book, published by Black Dog Press, hits the shelves tomorrow (October 21).
It features photographs and interviews with more than 70 diverse people who have experienced menopause and addresses the question “What does the menopause look like?” Each subject has been photographed in their “happy place” and talk about the positives and negatives of their menopause experience.
The women share first-hand accounts of physical and mental symptoms, of shame and isolation, but also of discovery, strength and newly found freedom.
A Portrait of the Menopause acknowledges their experiences and brings with it a sense of purpose. Catrin’s aim is to dispel the myths about menopause and celebrate people going through it. She hopes that by talking openly about the menopause now, the next generation need not suffer in silence.
Catrin, who was one of the circus performers at the Olympic opening ‘Mary Poppins’ show in London in 2012, said: “This book aims to celebrate women whose experiences have been silenced; it turns up the colour on this stage of their lives and reminds them of their happy places.”
A Portrait of the Menopause began life as an exhibition. Catrin’s interviews and photographs were presented either as prints or via a slideshow in London at Dalston’s historic Ridley Road Social Club before touring to 10 UK-wide venues, including Thanet’s Power of Women (POW) festival, Rochdale’s Touchstones gallery and the Arnolfini in Bristol. With enthusiastic responses, the concept of a book began to take shape.
A Portrait of the Menopause’s interviewees range from Roma women, women who have experienced homelessness, addiction, a woman who lives in a showman’s caravan, trans people, neurodivergent and disabled people to ex-ravers, a refugee who isn’t allowed to work, punks, performers, teachers and self-employed business owners.
A book launch and dance party event will be held at Ramsgate Music Hall on Saturday (October 25) from 7.30pm.
Tickets, costing £12.50, are available at: https://www.ramsgatemusichall.com/tc-events/catrin-osbourne-book-launch-and-dance-party/
Find A Portrait of the Menopause, priced £19.95, at: https://blackdogonline.com/products/a-portrait-of-menopause?
Catrin has to be commended for this book, as the menopause is still very much, a not to talk about subject in some circles.