Michelle Williams Gamaker, 'Strange Evidence'

Strange Evidence focuses on 1930s screen star and Academy Award nominee Merle Oberon, who kept her mixed Sri Lankan, Indian and British heritage secret to protect her industry status, passing as white until her death in 1979. 

Under the aegis of Alexander Korda’s London Films, as a contracted star she became its resident so-called “exotic” playing stereotypical roles. Together with the Studios, Merle falsified her past claiming she was born in Tasmania to British parents. 

She also controlled how she was photographed, relying on make-up, lighting, dermabrasion and skin-bleaching procedures, which caused cosmetic poisoning and allergic reactions. Included in the exhibition is the artist’s BFI-commissioned short 'Oberon' (2023), which revisits the potential casting of the actor for British Directors Powell and Pressburger’s film 'The Red Shoes' (1951).

Open Wednesday – Sunday, 12 – 6pm

Closed for filming Wednesday 11 – Tuesday 17 June