The Directory of Travelling Photographers. Part 1: 1841-1881 and the new Part 2: 1882-1921 are now both available online via the Romany and Traveller Family History Society (RTFHS) website. The website has just been updated with part 2. Additional records have been found for the earlier period, and for post -921. It is hoped to incorporate these into one consolidated volume later in the year in both chronological and alphabetical formats.
The Directory is the result of research by Chy Hersey, a RTFHS member, who found that travelling photographers were little known or acknowledged. Several hundred individuals have been uncovered to date, coming from a variety of backgrounds. Some of these had Romany, showfolk or similar associations, but many did not. Some even became nationally recognised or claimed to have important and even royal patronage.
In due course even more travelling photographers will be included when the two volumes are consolidated and an A-Z listing is compiled. If you know of a travelling photographer who should be included – and especially any photographs of or by travelling photographers – please let the RTFHS know. Email: editor@rtfhs.org.uk
As before, the primary aims 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 extent of finds means that the Directory cannot provide full biographical details but it is hoped to provide some exemplar stories in due course. Both parts have short introductions 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.
See: https://rtfhs.org.uk/new-the-directory-of-travelling-photographers-part-2-1882-1921/
Comments