The first part of the Directory of Travelling Photographers. Part I: 1841-1881 is now available online via the Romany and Traveller Family History Society website. The intention is to produce a second part for 1882-1901 later this year, and to add further details as they emerge. The primary aims of the publication are to create greater awareness of the role of travelling photographers within the wider community, and to assist with correlation of photographs to photographers.
The idea of creating a Directory of Travelling Photographers was inspired by RTFHS member Chy Hersey’s searches for ‘van dwellers’ in the British Newspaper Archive, connected to an interest in the family history and social history of Romanies and Travellers in the British Isles. As Chy began to gather references, many were of ‘travelling photographers’ – and it soon became evident that relatively little had been researched and documented about this occupation or the lives of the individuals who followed it, even though there were considerable numbers of them even within 20 years of the invention of photography.
There was obviously pioneering work to be done and Chy took up the challenge. The Directory is the result – and now Chy has allowed the RTFHS to make it available online to benefit those who have Romany or Traveller ancestors who give their occupation as ‘photographer’ in historic documents as well as people with a broader interest in the history of photography.
The Directory has a short introduction with notes on search methods and related resources, followed by listings in chronological order. Brief details are given, usually of first reference, together with source of information. Entries can also be searched for surnames, locations, etc. The lists include some related details which place the lives of travelling photographers in context, such as their family links, area and methods of travel, perils and misfortunes.
Directory of Travelling Photographers. Part I: 1841-1881
Resarched and compiled by Chy Hersey
Published by Romany & Traveller Family History Society (R&TFHS)
Free to download on: https://rtfhs.org.uk/directory-of-travelling-photographers-1841-1881/
Comments
Excellent! I have Audrey Linkman's pioneering book on the subject, but this source provides a database for what is known, which could probably be expanded by names, places and dates which people may find on ambrotypes, tintypes and cdvs in their own collections. Indeed, I may have one or two names to add... Many thanks to Chy Hersey and the R&TFHS!