Victorian Giants: The Birth of Art Photography - Exhibition at The National Portrait Gallery

The National Portrait Gallery is currently showing, 'Victorian Giants: 'The Birth of Art Photography’,  until 20th May, 2018. This major exhibition is the first to examine the relationship between four ground-breaking Victorian artists: Julia Margaret Cameron (1815-79) Lewis Carroll (1832-98) Lady Clementina Hawarden (1822-65) and Oscar Rejlander (1813-875).

Drawn from public and private collections internationally, the exhibition features some of the most outstanding images in photographic history. Influenced by historical paintings and more commonly associated with the Pre-Raphaelite era, the four formed a bridge between the art of the past and the art of the future. They revolutionised the use of photography, hence why they are referred to as ‘The Victorian Giants’.   

Showing women as they really were … Clementina Maude by Clementina Hawarden, 1863-4. Photograph: © Victoria & Albert Museum, London. Image courtesy of The Guardian

Hallam Tennyson, 2nd Baron Tennyson, 1857, by Lewis Carroll Photograph: Lewis Carroll/National Portrait/PA. Image courtesy of The Guardian

 Photographic Study (Clementina and Isabella Grace Maude), 1863-64, by Clementina Hawarden

Photograph: V&A. Image courtesy of The Guardian

Unidentified Young Woman, 1863-9, by Oscar Rejlander

Photograph: NPG. Image courtesy of The Guardian

If you're feeling inspired by the past, and would like to capture elements of the exhibition, then why not come and visit us here at Grays, where you can see our gorgeous selection of pieces waiting to be discovered...




Victorian Gold Brooch Photo Frame with a photo of unidentified woman. Available at Tings Jewellery Box

Victorian Gold Brooch Photo Frame, both photographs source unknown. Available at Tings Jewellery Box

Victorian Gold Brooch Photo Frame with a photo of unidentified woman. Available at Tings Jewellery Box

Birmingham 1918, Photo Frame. Available at Jack Podlewski

Victorian Thumbnail Size Photo Album of Hastings. Available at Tings Jewellery Box

Solid Sterling 925 Silver, Birmingham, 1904. Available at AMS Antiques Ltd

Victorian Thumbnail Size Photo Album. Available at Tings Jewellery Box

Victorian Gold Brooch Photo Frame, with an unidentified photo of a child. Available at Tings Jewellery Box

Birmingham, 1901 Silver Photo Frame. The inscription on the bottom of the frame says, 'A Portrait by J.Cecil Gould Weybridge'. Available at  Jack Podlewski