I am trying to trace surviving photographic work or any other archival traces relating to Miss Gladys Methven Brownlee, a Bristol-based photographer active in the first half of the 20th century. Her studio was destroyed during the Blitz, but given the reproducible nature of photography, it seems possible that her work had already circulated and survived elsewhere. I wonder whether someone might know of any surviving materials relating to her, in archives, private collections or elsewhere. I would be very grateful for any leads.
Miss Gladys Methven Brownlee, also known to a wide circle of friends as ‘Brownie’, was born in Bristol in 1881 and died in London in 1950. She was the daughter of William Methven Brownlee (1847–1903) and Anna Eleanor Dunlop (1847–1919). The few sources that mention her do so with admiration, but only in passing, which makes me all the more curious about her story and background.
Brownie was usually seen wearing a flowing green cloak and a wide-brimmed black hat; her personality is described as warm-hearted. She was an active member of a number of cultural organisations (or involved in other ways), such as the Clifton Arts Club (serving as secretary 1923–1929), Bristol Venture Club, the Royal Photographic Society, Bristol Photographic Club, Bristol Film Society and the Bristol and District Professional Photographers' Association.
She entered lantern slide competitions, served as a judge, opened her studio to host meetings and events. Additionally, she acted in and produced plays. For the Bristol Photographic Society she occupied the chair and introduced its lecturers.
It appears she teamed up temporarily with Audrey Pearson in the late 1920s.
In the autumn of 1926, Douglas Cleverdon opened his famous bookshop in Charlotte Street, Bristol (corner of Park Street), sharing the premises with Brownie, who had both her photography studio and apartment there. As a result, Brownie became part of Douglas’ circle, including Eric Gill, Stanley Morison and Beatrice Warde.
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