These portraits of Jane — bassist Jane Crockford of the Mo‑Dettes — were created to mark her 60th birthday. Instead of returning to the familiar visual language of punk fashion or live performance, Jane chose to strip away every accoutrement and be photographed nude among the trees at Chiswick House. We took a picnic.
She wanted to commemorate this milestone in a way that felt true to her spirit: uncompromising, mythic, and defiantly herself.
These portraits subvert the expected aesthetics of music photography. They show a punk icon not through a sartorial lens or stage lights, but through radical presence, unflinching vulnerability, and raw autonomy — the essence of punk stripped back to its core.
Jane’s lithe body reflects her worldliness and her hard‑won self‑acceptance. Her observations and poetic insight amplify this sense of release.
Through my photography I aim for the moment someone emerges from within and the camera disappears. Kindness and honesty are my rebellion; I strip away surface expectations to create space where collaborators feel seen, understood, and fiercely themselves.
Here are her poignant words about reaching this milestone in her life.
FÒK DID THAT HAPPEN HOW THE
FÒK DID THAT HAPPEN HOW THE
by Jane Perry Woodgate
Physically, I work hard
lifting, carrying, so much heaviness
spiritually, I work hard
lifted, carried, so much happiness
In the early morning it is difficult to climb
the stairs at the station
my legs ache so much
at the strain
In the early evening, it is delightful to descend
the stairs at the station
my heart hops and skips
homeward bound
no money
pension poverty
The future is certain
just love
blessedness and bliss
So, today I free my body
my soul
my mind
my heart
I climb trees naked and dance
I celebrate
every year
every moment
every person I have loved
I laugh and say
never stop singing
never stop praying
never stop loving
and most of all
I say
thank you.
Photography by Gaynor Perry
