A book that highlights the work of Hannah Maynard will be taking place on October 1st at the Royal BC Museum (RBCM).
The book, Hannah Maynard: Life & Work celebrates Victoria’s first female photo entrepreneur and one of Canada’s earliest women photographers.
It was penned by author Elizabeth Anne Cavaliere.
Cavaliere was inspired to capture and commemorate Maynard’s life from 1834–1918, highlighting her as the first woman in BC to establish a professional photography studio at a time when few people worked professionally with cameras.
According to the author, Maynard arrived in Victoria in 1862 and opened her studio within the year. This occurred just around 20 years after the invention of photography.
She operated that studio for the next 50 years, first on Johnson Street, then on Douglas Street and finally at 49 ½ Pandora Street—now the site of the popular eatery John’s Place.
Maynard’s studio drew clients including babies, convicts, sailors, dignitaries, servants and industrialists.
“Hannah Maynard’s photographic practice was all-consuming and seeped into almost every facet of her life: her professional livelihood; leisurely bike rides; cottage excursions with her family; her relationships with her husband, children, and grandchildren; and her sensibilities about life and death,” said Cavaliere.
“It is unique to have such a full visual record of one’s life and community as we have with Hannah Maynard in the collection of the Royal BC Museum.”
The book launch will include Cavaliere in conversation with Sara Angel, founder and executive director of the Art Canada Institute.
Book launch of Hannah Maynard: Life & Work
- When: Thursday, October 1st at 6 p.m.
- Where: Royal BC Museum, 675 Belleville Street
- Admission: Free with registration
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