Jane Martha St. John, self-portrait., Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Jane Martha St. John (1801 – 1882)
24th July 1801 – 18th November 1882
Pioneering British Photographer
Born in Coln St Aldwyns (Gloucestershire) Jane Martha St. John defied societal expectations and became a prolific photographer, leaving behind a valuable collection of calotypes that offer a unique perspective on travel and historical sites.
Born in 1801, Jane Martha St. John came from a wealthy and well-connected family. It is believed her introduction to photography stemmed from her association with the pioneering Talbot family, who were instrumental in developing the calotype process. This early exposure to the new technology sparked a passion in Jane, and in the late 1850s, she embarked on an extended tour of Italy with her husband. Armed with her camera, she was on a mission to document their journey.
Unlike many photographers of the era who focused on staged studio portraits or landscapes, Jane turned her lens towards capturing the essence of place. Her calotypes of Rome, Florence, Venice, and other Italian towns are not merely sterile documentations. We see architectural details, and even glimpses of everyday people, offering a window into a bygone era.
Her work is particularly significant because of the technical limitations of calotype photography at the time. The process was slow and cumbersome, requiring long exposure times. This meant her photographs often captured candid moments, unposed and unstaged. A photograph of Jane, sitting on a wall under the Colosseum, exemplifies this perfectly. It’s a rare glimpse into the photographer behind the lens, a woman actively engaging with her surroundings.
Her legacy extends beyond her photographs. She is a testament to the power of curiosity and a willingness to challenge norms. In a time when women were largely excluded from the scientific and artistic spheres, she carved her own path, becoming an early adopter of a revolutionary technology. Her work not only offers historical value but also serves as an inspiration for aspiring female photographers today.
While Jane Martha St. John’s name may not be as widely recognized as some of her male counterparts, her contribution to the field of early photography is undeniable. Her evocative calotypes provide a valuable historical record and a fascinating glimpse into the world as seen through the lens of a pioneering woman.
