Crisp Museum showcasing work of cinema photographer

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – The Crisp Museum at Southeast Missouri State’s River Campus is showcasing the work of late photographer Bob Willoughby.

Willoughby was the first outsider photographer invited into movie studios. His work took off in 1954 when he was asked to work with Judy Garland, and his photographs became instantly recognizable.

Backstage Hollywood: Photography of Bob Willoughby features 91 naturalistic images of actors in times of vulnerability.

Museum manager and curator Jim Phillips described what allowed Willoughby to be able to capture these moments.

“The studios were bringing in these photographers. Rather than getting an assignment from the labor union, he turned those personal invitations into friendships, which allowed people to be less guarded around him,” he said.

The exhibit will be on display through Sunday, and the museum will be open from 1 to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday.