Alice Hughes, papers

Alice Hughes' papers consist of correspondence relating to both her career as a portrait photographer and her father's career as a society portrait artist. The correspondence includes letters from Queen Mary (1867-1953) , Louise, Princess Royal (1867-1931) and Princess Victoria (1868-1935). The papers also include a postcard of Gower Street, London and the book jacket for Hughes' autobiography 'My Father and I', first published in 1923.

Alice Hughes (1857-1939) was the eldest daughter of the society portrait painter Edward Hughes, she studied photography at the London Polytechnic and in 1891 opened a studio as the first gentlewoman professional photographer. She photographed her first royal sitter, the Duchess of Fife, with her baby, Princess Maud, in 1893. On the expiry of her lease in 1911 she sold her business, and later opened another studio on Ebury Street, where she operated until her retirement in 1927. Hughes worked in platinotype and started the fashion of being photographed in large hats and evening dress in the style of Reynolds and Gainsborough. She specialised in the graceful posing of mother and child groups.

Available to view by appointment in the Heinz Archive and Library Public Study Room, to make an appointment contact Archive Reception . Although records are generally available for public consultation, some information in them, such as personal data or information supplied to the Gallery in confidence, may be restricted. Restrictions on disclosure of correspondence with members of the Royal Household extends to the grandparents of the present Queen, letters from Royal authors might be closed to public view.

Personal photography is permitted for research purposes only. Photocopying is not permitted.