Back in 1915, a Centralia native and his wife, both artists, created a scandal that raised eyebrows in Seattle. Join us for a glimpse into the lives of etcher Roi Partridge and photographer Imogen Cunningham, whose work turned heads all across the West Coast.

Roi Partridge was born in Centralia in 1888. He went on to international fame as an etcher, printmaker, and teacher. He studied in New York City, Munich, and Paris, and created an international reputation himself. He moved to San Francisco in 1917 and began teaching at Mills College in Oakland. He eventually became the first director of the school's art gallery.

In 1915, in Seattle, he married photographer Imogen Cunningham. Imogen was born in Portland, but had trained in Seattle and traveled the world as an independent photographer.

Imogen sparked a scandal when she released a series of nudes that featured Roi frolicking at Mt. Rainier. The images were shocking for their use of a nude male in a style that had long been reserved for nude women. Several of the images were printed in the Seattle paper The Town Crier.

After a tempestuous, passionate relationship, Roi and Imogen divorced in 1934. They had three sons, including photographer Rondal Partridge.

Partridge’s etchings were honored with numerous awards and are represented in several collections, including the British Museum, the Brooklyn Museum, the University of California, and the New York Public Library. Imogen is considered one of the groundbreaking female artists of the early 20th century. 

About the Speaker:
Stuart Halsan received his Juris Doctorate degree from Gonzaga University and a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Washington. He minored in Art History and the Classics. He served the 20th District as a Washington State Senator (1984-88) and as a Washington State Representative. Stuart is a longtime trustee for Centralia College and serves on the board for the Washington State Heritage Center Trust.

These monthly, free events are open to everyone interested in Oregon and Pacific Northwest history. Co-sponsored by like-minded historical and civic organizations, we bring you experts, scholars, first-person experiencers and historians who expound on topics from Lewis and Clark to shipwrecks, hop growing to women pioneers and far, far beyond. It's like being back in the classroom - except this time you get to settle into comfortable seats and enjoy a drink or two with dinner while you listen and learn.

This event is eligible for a History Pub Stamp