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Kids' Hidden Photo History Revealed
14 Oct
Summary
- An exhibition showcases photographs taken by children.
- The show covers children's photography from Victorian times to today.
- Researcher discovered girl photographers in old comics.
A new exhibition, Snap Happy!, is set to unveil the often-overlooked history of photographs created by children. Curated by Annebella Pollen, a researcher from the University of Brighton, the exhibition opens on Wednesday at The Photographers' Gallery in London.
Pollen's extensive four-year study formed the basis for both the exhibition and an accompanying book. She emphasized the importance of taking children's photography seriously, despite its potentially juvenile appearance. The collection features images dating from the late Victorian period right up to contemporary times.
Interestingly, Pollen discovered that while photography was often initially promoted to boys, female photographers also emerged. Her research into girls' story papers and comics revealed the presence of these girl photographer figures, challenging earlier assumptions about the hobby's gendered access.