Christina Broom, became Britain’s first female press photographer at the age of 40, a new exhibition commemorates her work. Christina with her trusty camera..
Christina began photographing street scenes in 1903 to sell as postcards near Buckingham Palace, London, UK to provide for her family after her husband became unable to work. They sold well, and the following year she was appointed official photographer at the Chelsea Barracks. the role enabled her to build a close relationship with the royals, particularly King George the 5th and gained her access to society events too. Captain Eric Greer ( first from left ) of the 1st Irish Guards & his machine-gun team. Photographed by Christina in 1914, prior to leaving for the war..
She also continued to document ‘ordinary’ people aswel and documented the Suffragette movement and the First World War, with her work featured in publications including The Illustrated London News, Tatler and Country Life. By the time of her death in 1939, she had taken more than 40,000 images. Suffragette stand at The Women’s Exhibition of 1909
Soldiers and Suffragettes : the photography of Christina Broom, is at The Museum of London, Docklands, London E14, UK, until November the 1st, 2015. For online information, visit museumoflondon.org.uk
