Josephine Clough was a pioneering photographer who made her mark in the early 20th century. Born in 1876 in London, England, she was the daughter of a successful businessman and grew up surrounded by art and culture. She developed an interest in photography at an early age and began taking pictures of her family and friends.
In 1898, Josephine moved to Paris to pursue her passion for photography. She studied under renowned photographers such as Eugene Atget and Henri Cartier-Bresson, learning the techniques of documentary photography. She also developed her own style of portraiture, which focused on capturing the personality of her subjects.
Josephine quickly gained recognition for her work and was invited to exhibit at the prestigious Salon des Artistes Francais in 1902. Her photographs were praised for their unique composition and use of light, which set them apart from other photographers of the time.
In 1906, Josephine returned to London where she opened a studio with her husband, Alfred Clough. Together they created beautiful portraits for their clients as well as commercial photographs for magazines and advertising campaigns. Josephine also continued to take documentary photographs around London, capturing everyday life in the city during this period.
Josephine's work was widely admired by both critics and peers alike throughout her career. In 1921 she was awarded a gold medal at the International Photographic Exhibition in Rome for her portrait series “The People of London” which showcased everyday life in the city during this period.
Josephine Clough passed away in 1945 but left behind a legacy that continues to inspire photographers today. Her work is still celebrated for its unique vision and timeless beauty that captures both the spirit of its subjects as well as its era.