Christina Broom (1862–1939)

Although Christina Broom sought a career in photography out of economic necessity, she is now recognised as a pioneering female photographer and the first female press photographer. Following an injury, Christina Broom's husband Albert (1864–1912) was unable to continue in active employment. In order to make an income, Broom embarked on a unique business venture. Acknowledging the public interest in postcards, Broom taught herself photography and began selling views of London under the name 'Mrs Albert Broom'. It was a family business, as Broom's husband wrote the captions and their daughter Winifred (1890–1973) developed the photographs and printed the postcards.