Photography students from Solihull College & University Centre were honoured to attend the unveiling of a blue plaque commemorating the achievements of pioneering portrait photographer, Emma Barton.
Emma Barton, a trailblazing figure in the world of photography, began her illustrious career in the mid-1890s, utilising simple equipment to capture intimate portraits of her own home and family. Despite starting with modest means, she went on to showcase her work at the prestigious Royal Photographic Society and was awarded their esteemed medal in 1903. Emma Barton was arguably the most published female photographer of her era.
Originally hailing from Aston, where she lived in a back-to-back house, Emma later moved to Deritend. It was here that she honed her craft in a studio adjacent to her home.
Commenting on the visit, Visual Arts Lecturer, Dawn Jones, commented: “The visit proved invaluable for the students, who engaged in meaningful discussions about how Emma Barton’s story and photography could inspire their final projects. This experience followed a week of intensive sessions where the students delved into the complexities of representation, reflecting on the significance of Emma as a female photographer from a working-class background.”
Emma Barton’s work is also noteworthy for its inclusivity, as she captured portraits of individuals who traditionally wouldn’t have been featured in conventional portraits of that time. This underscores the profound impact of the choices made by creatives in their representation through their work.
The College remains committed to providing students with enriching experiences that broaden their perspectives and inspire their creative endeavours.
