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Writer's pictureMAWalker
Jul 31, 20245 min read

Christina Broom: The Pioneering Woman Photojournalist of the Early 20th Century

Photo of a woman in Edwardian clothed and a hat with a box camera outdoors
Christina Broom, c. 1910. Photo by Winifred Broom. Copyright: Museum of London.

Disclaimer: all photos are copyrighted to the Museum of London, the Imperial War Museum, and other institutions. These images have been sourced online and they are used in order to showcase Christina Brooms's work.


In the early 20th century, when the field of photojournalism was predominantly male, Christina Broom broke barriers and established herself as a pioneering force. Often regarded as the UK's first female press photographer, Broom's remarkable career spanned from 1903 to 1939, during which she documented significant historical events and everyday life with an extraordinary eye for detail and storytelling.


Unexpected Beginnings


Christina Broom's journey into photography began not out of ambition or desire to become an artist but out of necessity with a touch of entrepreneurial insight. Born in 1862 in Chelsea, London, to Scottish parents, she married Albert Broom (1864-1912) in 1889. Their daughter, Winifred Broom was born in 1890 at their home in Fulham. The Broom family were not very successful in their business enterprises, including Alber's family ironmongering business. After Albert suffered a debilitating injury playing cricket, which prevented him to work, the family faced dire financial difficulties. At this point it was up to Christina to support her family as the new breadwinner. In her hour of need, Christina turned to a rather surprising field of work: that of photography. It was 1903 and Christina was 40 years old. She knew very little about this new field, yet she was determined to master it. But what made her think about following this unusual path to support her family?


Before delving into photography, Broom operated a small stationery business in Streatham. She probably noticed the growing popularity of postcards, which, before the advent of telephones and social media, were a quick and efficient way to communicate. In fact, with Royal Mail delivering up to seven times per day the mail, it was actually possible to send a postcard to someone on the same day to arrange a meeting or outing. This insight probably was the catalyst that inspired her to start creating and selling photographic postcards-especially after the stationery business failed. Then, in 1903, she borrowed a quater-plate box camera from a friend and she set up a stall at Dew Gardens, where she began selling her postcard photographs. This humble beginning marked the start of a prolific career that would leave an indelible mark on photojournalism.


A woman in Edwardina clothes holding a box camera in front of a stall full of her photos
Christina Broom, photographed by her daughter at a stand at the Women’s War Work Exhibition, Prince’s Skating Rink, Knightsbridge, London, May 1916. Copyright: Imperial War Museum.

Local Views and Personalities


While there were other women who worked in the field of studio photography at this time, Mrs. Albert Broom, as Christina was professionaly known, worked mostly outdoors. She carried her heavy equipment everywhere, took public transportation, and set up her camera ready to capture London's iconic buildings, street scenes, sporting events and personalities. She was assisted by her daughter Winifred, who left school early and learned everything there was to know about developing negatives and printing, and by her husband Albert, who did the lettering on the postcards until his death in 1912.


Early photos of London by Christina Broom, including the glass negative from Tower Bridge. Copyright: The Museum of London.

In 1904, Christina sought to photograph the King’s new horse, Kildare, stationed at Chelsea Barracks. Confident that a print of the horse would be a strong seller, she attempted to proceed but was stopped by the King’s Groom, Mr. Green. However, he permitted her to leave her card for further consideration. Subsequently, Edward VII granted Christina Broom permission to take the photograph, likely influenced by a recommendation from Earl Roberts, who had supported her work as the official photographer of H.M. Household Division (more about this later). The important part is that the horse won the Derby race the day after she took the photograph below and Kildare's postcard sold like candy! This enabled Christina to purchase her own camera and tripod.

This was also the time when Christina became what we would consider to be a celebrity photographer, as she gained the support of the Royal family. Mrs. Albert Broom was repeatedly invited to photograph them, and she sold her celebrity photos to many newspapers as well as printing them as postcards.


Photograph of Kildare, the King's Horse, and the Royal Family by Christina Broom.


She was also an avid follower of the The Boat Race, between Cambridge University Boat Club and the Oxford University Boat Club, which started in 1829, and continued annually from 1856. She was one of several photographers documenting the race, she was also the only woman doing so. The photograph ont he left is the Oxford team in 1911, and the photograph on the right is a portrait of Mrs Albert Broom shot by a member of the Oxford team in 1936!



A Lens on History

Broom quickly became known for her ability to capture compelling images of historical significance. She had a unique talent for being in the right place at the right time, and her work provides a vivid chronicle of Edwardian Britain. Among her most notable achievements were her photographs of the suffragette movement. Broom's images of suffragettes campaigning for women's voting rights are some of the most iconic visuals from that era, capturing both the fervor and the determination of the women involved.


Suffragettes by Christina Broom. Copyright: Museum of London.


The Official Household Division Photographer

Her access to important events and her skill in documenting them were unparalleled. Broom secured permission to photograph the Household Division of the British Army, providing a rare and intimate glimpse into military life. Her work included documenting soldiers both at home and during significant ceremonies, creating a comprehensive visual record that remains invaluable to historians today. What set Christina Broom apart from her contemporaries was not just her technical skill but her ability to connect with her subjects. Her photographs often convey a sense of intimacy and humanity, something that can be seen in the way she captured the stoic determination of the men that were about to go to war. Christina also took poignant photos of the soldiers saying goodbye to their families at the train station. Many of the the men that she photographed never came back from the war. Broom's work goes beyond mere documentation; it tells stories and evokes emotions, making her photographs timeless pieces of art and history.


Soldiers by Christina Broom. Copyright: Museum of London.


Legacy and Recognition

Despite her significant contributions, Broom's work was often overshadowed by her male counterparts during her lifetime. However, her legacy has been increasingly recognized in recent years. Her extensive archive of photographs, many of which are preserved at institutions like the Museum of London and the Imperial War Museum, continues to be a rich resource for historians and photography enthusiasts alike.


Christina Broom's story is one of resilience, innovation, and dedication. Her pioneering efforts in photojournalism during a time when women were rarely seen in the profession have made her an enduring icon. Her work captures the essence of a transformative period in British history, offering insights that remain relevant to this day. As we celebrate her contributions, we also acknowledge the path she paved for future generations of women photographers, ensuring her legacy continues to inspire and educate.


 

For those interested in exploring Christina Broom's work further, numerous exhibitions and online archives showcase her contributions to the field of photojournalism. Her story is not just a testament to her talent but also to the unyielding spirit of those who break barriers and forge new paths.


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Further Reading Online:


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