New book ‘Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman’s House’ invites readers into the personal sanctuary of the iconic gay filmmaker for the very first time

Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman’s House, a new book by photographer Gilbert McCarragher, published by Thames & Hudson on April 4, invites readers into the personal sanctuary of the iconic gay filmmaker for the very first time, with over 100 unseen photographs.

A prolific film maker, Jarman was known for short, experimental Super 8mm films; his mainstream debut Sebastiane (1976), about the martyrdom of Saint Sebastian, was one of the first British films to portray gay sexuality positively. Dystopian satire Jubilee (1978) starring punk poster girl Jordan (who worked at Vivienne Westwood’s King’s Road boutique Sex) is revered as Britain’s only decent punk film.

Jarman also made the music video for the No.1 hit single It’s a Sin by the Pet Shop Boys, but it was Caravaggio (1986), starring Sean Bean, which established Jarman’s fame – and saw him work with actor Tilda Swinton for the first time; she was to become a lifelong friend and muse starring in Jarman’s film The Last of England. Later, as Jarman’s health deteriorated, Prospect Cottage served as the set for The Garden (1990) starring Swinton.

Discovered on a location recce on Dungeness beach with the actress Tilda Swinton, Derek Jarman bought Prospect Cottage in 1986, the same year he was diagnosed with HIV, and eight years before his death in 1994. Considered by many to be Jarman’s final and most complete work of art, Prospect Cottage is an emblematic self-portrait that sums up both the complex film maker and politised gay activist, as well as a creative, contemplative and brave human being.

McCarragher’s photos reveal that every room in the cottage contains evidence of Jarman’s irrepressible creativity, his magpie knack for finding or making beautiful things. As the cottage is rarely open to the public, McCarragher’s photographs provide a unique and compelling glimpse into the life of one of our late great artists.

Prospect Cottage: Derek Jarman’s House a new book by photographer Gilbert McCarragher, which invites readers into the personal sanctuary of the iconic gay filmmaker for the very first time