THE COLLECTION
Bruno’s remarkable photography archive was acquired by the Powerhouse Museum, part of the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, in 2009 with funding assisted from the Australian Government through the National Cultural Heritage Account. The archive was meticulously accumulated over 50 years by Bruno & Hazel Benini. This treasured collection includes photographs, negatives & proof sheets, fashion publicity and tear sheets, all detailing the evolution of fashions throughout the decades.
Working as a team, Bruno’s wife Hazel was a fashion publicist and art directed her clients garments with clever props, creating stories which the fashion press loved. As well as commercial work, Bruno photographed models for their ‘head sheets’ which showed their versatility with fashion and body shots. He specialised in portraits using a soft lighting technique for women, and stronger side lighting for men. To relax, Bruno photographed flowers in colour.
The official party on Monday 27 April 2010 to celebrate the acquisition was opened by Peter Garrett, the Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts. Special guest Hazel Benini spoke about Bruno’s life and work.