To celebrate the bicentenary of the birth of Julia Margaret Cameron (1815-1879), the Victoria & Albert Museum is currently presenting the work (more than 100 of her photographs) of one of the very first female photographers of the 19th century. As a great fan of photography, I visited the exhibition with a great curiosity (And No, I didn’t know Julia Margaret Cameron before going to the V&A!!!).
Julia Margaret Cameron had the eye for taking pictures of people (mostly relatives), she proved a great sense of composition, and created very beautiful group portraits. Some photographs made me think of biblical or mythological paintings, rather obviously mannered in style, no moving characters, nobody looking at each other, costumes well-presented…And on the contrary she made superb portraits of children that I found very modern, she captured the feelings and sometimes the movement. I was really moved by some of them.

I was also surprised -and impressed- that Julia Margaret Cameron began to take photographs with older age -especially at that time- as she discovered photography at the age of 48, when she was offered a camera by her daughter . First it seemed to have been a hobby, but she soon realised that she could make a career with her ability to create compositions and portraits people appreciated.

She was also acquainted with the first V&A’s founding director, Sir Henry Cole, who in 1865 presented her first museum exhibition and the only one during her lifetime. She had written him lots of letters, some of which are presented in this exhibition. She was quite aware of her talent, and expressed herself clearly about the impact of her art in the society. She devoted herself to photography and her goal was to exhibit some photographs at the museum in South Kensington.

I write to ask you if you will… exhibit at the South Kensington Museum a set of Prints of my late series of Photographs that I intend should electrify you with delight and startle the world’
– Julia Margaret Cameron to Henry Cole, 21 February 1866

I was under the spell of such a forward-thinking lady, combining art and self-esteem…

Now I hope you’ll be tempted by this exhibition (that is completely free).. ? Hurry then, because it will end on the 21st of February!
And if Photography, alone, is not enough to drive you to the museum, just think of the wonderful “Garden Cafe” where you’ll devote yourself to the “poetry & beauty” of the place … or you can plan a visit of the V&A permanent collection which is really worth it!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this post and found inspiration here. If you are soon to explore the Victoria and Albert Museum, please share your experience and opinion on this blog!

To go further:
Exhibition details
Julia Margaret Cameron info
Victoria and Albert Museum: Cromwell Road London SW7 2RL