Background for teachers

Photographic portraits

Today, many people own film or digital cameras which are relatively cheap, portable, and easy to use. In the Victorian period, however, cameras were expensive, large and heavy as well as being complicated to use. Most Victorian families would not have owned a camera but the more wealthy would have paid for professional photographers to take their portrait, commonly in a studio or in a formally posed group in their house or garden. Photographs were also taken by keen amateurs who formed camera clubs, such as the Worthing Camera Club.

Metal and glass-based photographs (such as daguerreotypes) were produced as early as the 1840s and 1850s but very few survive today. By the early 1850s, the practice of photography was spreading and the 1851 census of England and Wales counted 51 professional photographers. By 1861 that figure had grown to 2,879. From this time paper and card images such as cartes de visite (small portraits distributed at social functions), stereoscopic photographs (giving a 3D effect via a viewer), family albums and published books of scenic photographs were produced. In the 1880s many photographic clubs emerged and the shows they put on used glass lantern slides, many of which have survived.

The first photograph showing a human being was Louis Daguerre’s 1838-39 image of the Boulevard du Temple, which accidentally caught an anonymous Parisian having his shoes shined. The first public photographic studio in England was set up by Richard Beard in 1841. In studios such as this, people would sit in front of a backdrop such as a garden or lavishly decorated room and have to maintain a pose of between a minute and a half to three minutes, depending on the light conditions. Sometimes a head brace was used to keep the subject’s head still and children were often distracted by a toy on top of the camera to keep them still. Studios developed methods such as conservatories or glass panels to make use of the light.

Convention respected solemn expressions and gave the impression that the sitter was honest and dependable. As the sitter had to hold the pose for up to 3 minutes, it was usually easier not to smile or at least keep facial muscles relaxed.

Having a portrait taken was a way of emphasising that you had ‘established' yourself in society, as you could afford this expensive process. It was also a way of creating a family record. Before photography, only the rich could afford to commission a painted image of themselves. As cameras became more affordable, less wealthy individuals and families were able to share in this record of family life and achievements. Victorians sat for portraits when there was an important occasion, such as a member of the family joining the services. Often portraits were taken of people flicking through photograph albums which demonstrated their reverence for their ancestry. There were various fashions for painted backdrops and props. Ladies’ bicycles became popular in the late 1890s so women posed with a studio bicycle.

Victorian photographs also depict children, who are usually dressed up for the camera. Events such as when a boy was breeched (put in short trousers for the first time), christenings and a girl’s coming of age are recorded in photographs from this period.

Collections in West Sussex

Libraries and museums in West Sussex hold a large number of portrait photographs. Our online databases, West Sussex Past Pictures and West Sussex Record Office, can be easily searched for the purpose. Of particular note is the Humphrey collection, taken between 1895-1905 by Edward Humphrey.

Many local museums have excellent photographic collections dating back to the Victorian period. Those of particular note include: Arundel, Amberley Working, Bluebell Railway, Bognor Regis, Burgess Hill, Chichester District, Bognor Regis, Crawley, Cuckfield, East Grinstead, Henfield, Horsham, Lancing College, Littlehampton, Marlipins (Shoreham), Petworth Cottage, Steyning, Storrington, Weald & Downland and Worthing. As not all collections are immediately available for researchers, you should contact the museum in advance of any visit to discuss your area of interest.

Back to top