Queen Jane Approximately

The Observer takes great pride in celebrating the photographic legacy of Jane Bown and now it's the chance to appreciate her 60th year with the paper. Even if you aren't a fan of this particular trade, you probably recognise some of Jane's iconic work. And if you're a bit curious, there's now a beautiful online portfolio of her best portraits.

I've got about half a dozen of her books, but I guess I should also purchase the new one, Exposures. Her method is a neat one. Using just a manual (and inexpensive) Olympus OM camera and a couple of simple lenses, she sublimates the job down to the light, the setting and the significant micro-expression. She's a perfect diviner of mood and character, which also helps. Legend.