Pictures above: Portrait of photographer Christina Broom; and the ‘Bermondsey B’hoys’ from the 2nd Grenadier Guards at Wellington Barracks, in 1914 or 1915 [picture credit: Museum of London]

Christina Broom, who taught herself photography aged 40, worked between 1903 and 1939 – becoming a photographer to the Household Brigade.

Broom created and sold photographic postcards, covering London’s military activities before, during, and in the aftermath of war.

Her photos will go on show in a free exhibition at the Museum of London from 4 April-28 September.


Pictured before leaving for war, Captain Greer of the 1st Irish Guards – all killed in battle soon afterwards


[picture credit: Museum of London]

A spokesperson for the museum, which acquired the collection recently, said: ‘In this centenary year of the outbreak of the First World War, the display focuses on Broom’s portrayal of London’s military life.

‘On show is a small, yet poignant selection of stills depicting soldiers in London mobilising for war and leaving for the Western Front.’

The museum – which also holds a significant collection of Broom’s suffragette photos – says it is planning a ‘major exhibition’ of Broom’s life and photography in the autumn of 2015.

For more details visit the Museum of London website.


[All photos: courtesy, Museum of London]