Mary Spencer, Photographer

Posted on February 23, 2015 in Community // 0 Comments

COMMUNITY — A prolific photographer, artist, and pioneer, Mary Spencer is an integral part of Kamloops history. The Kamloops Museum & Archives presents Mary Spencer, Photographer, opening on Friday, Feb. 27.

Mary Spencer.

Between 1899 and 1909, Mary Spencer produced some of the most stunning photographs ever taken of Kamloops and the surrounding area, although she remains relatively unknown despite her lasting contribution in a pioneer field of women photographers.

Mary Spencer, Photographer brings together 60 black and white photographs that challenge the conventions of documentary photography, portrait photography, and early photojournalism.

One of Spencer’s most famous achievements was her photographs of Bill Miner. In 1906 she was hired to take photographs of the infamous train robber Bill Miner and his accomplices, along with the subsequent trial proceedings. In many ways, she was producing the first news story snapshots taken by a woman in Canada.

The KMA has received a donation of 50 photographs taken by Mary Spencer and Roland Chute, her photographic assistant, between the years c. 1906-1909, donated by Roland’s son Joe Chute.

An opening reception will be held Friday from 4:30 to 7 p.m.