ALICE HUGHES

Alice Hughes studied photography at the London Polytechnic. In 1891 she opened her studio as the first professional woman photographer. At the height of her fame Hughes employed sixty women staff including twelve spotters and retouchers. She later opened a studio at 104 Ebury Street, where she operated until her retirement in 1927. Hughes worked in platinotype and started the fashion of being photographed in large hats and evening dress in the style of Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough. She specialised in the graceful posing of mother and child groups.