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31 Heroines for Women’s History Month 2026

By 1st March 2026No Comments

Sleeves for glass negatives

Volunteer working in the archive

Dorothy Dickson by Dorothy Wilding

Cyanotype by Anna Atkins

This March, we’re celebrating Women’s History month with a daily spotlight on a pioneering woman photographer from the past.  In our library, we have a wide range of books by or about these pioneers showcasing photography, theory and history – there’s something for all ages and all levels of interest. Feel free to pop in and have a browse.  

Claire Aho, 2010. Image credit Jonatan Rieder Lundkvist

Day 1: Claire Aho (1925 - 2015)

Our first pioneer is Claire Aho, whose work we’re showing in our next exhibition Colour Me Modern: Claire Aho and the New Woman. Known as ‘the Grand Old Lady of Finnish Photography’, Claire was a pioneer of editorial photography recognised for her innovative use of colour techniques. Her vibrant images showcase her keen eye for composition and surprisingly modern aesthetic.

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In the library: Suomi, featuring Claire’s work from the 1950s.