Inspiring artist forgotten by history

Olive Edis photographed the full spectrum of British society, from local fishermen to prime ministers. She was a portrait artist, pioneer of new technologies,  successful business owner and the first British woman to be appointed an official war photographer.

[quote=Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England]“Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we were thrilled to support this project.”[/quote]

Yet in the 62 years since her death, Edis has been largely forgotten.

Two years ago, Cromer Museum was awarded a National Lottery grant to change that by digitising and researching its collection of Olive Edis’ work – the largest in the world. The photographer spent much of her time in Norfolk and Cromer Museum acquired her collection from her assistant Cyril Nunn, who inherited it following Edis’ death in 1955.

Fishermen & Kings

Now, for the first time, the opening of Fishermen & Kings: The New Olive Edis Galleries, provides a permanent tribute to this fine artist.

Visitors can:

• See portraits of subjects including Emmeline Pankhurst, Nancy Astor and Prince Philip
• Browse 2,000 digitised photographs
• Listen to extracts from Edis’ war diaries and see some of her war photography
• Learn more about Edis’ life, work and studios
• Help to identify the unknown Norfolk people who feature in the collection

A touring exhibition, The Road to Ypres, will share the story of Edis’ work during the First World War.

Robyn Llewellyn, Head of HLF East of England, said: “Olive Edis’ work spans social, gender and geographical boundaries to provide an incredible glimpse into the personal world of her subjects... Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players we were thrilled to support this project which is finally providing her inspirational story with the recognition it deserves.”

To find out more about Olive Edis and the exhibitions, visit the Cromer Museum website.