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Legacy Heroines
Heroines of the past who were active at some point between the mid-20th century and the early 21st century.
From Agnès to Ylla, explore the archive of Legacy Heroines and learn about the rich lives and careers of pioneering women photographers. As we continue our mission, our online archives will continue grow.
Researched, written and curated by our volunteers. If you would like to contribute to this valuable resource, sign up to volunteer today.
Homai Vyarawalla
Not only was Homai Vyarawalla India’s first female photojournalist but her career documented the overthrow of British colonial rule...
Ida Kar
Ida Kar was a woman of many origins who became most well-known for her portraits of London artistic circles, becoming the ‘Bohemian Photographer’....
In Memoriam 2024
As we enter 2025, we pay homage to the women photographers who passed away in 2024....
Inge Morath
Austrian photographer Inge Morath left Nazi Germany to America to become an editor and then as assistant to Henry Cartier-Bresson....
Ingeborg Strobl
Austrian visual artist and photographer who focused primarily on conceptual art as a form of narrative expression....
Jane Bown CBE
In 1949 Jane Bown (1925–2014) began working for The Observer newspaper. It was a partnership that would last over 60 years and lead to her photographing the leading political, cultural and royal figures of the day....
Jane Martha St. John
Gloucestershire pioneer, Jane Martha St.John, became a prolific photographer, leaving behind a valuable collection of calotypes that offer a unique perspective on travel and historical sites....
Jessie Mann
Born in Perth on 20th January 1805, Jessie Mann (1805-1867) is regarded as the first Scottish woman photographer....
Jo Spence
Over her long career, Jo Spence moved from capturing moments of domestic happiness in commercial photography to works that challenged capitalism and sexism,before focusing on questions of illness and healing as she battled with breast...
