OLIVE EDIS; IWM PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE WOMEN'S SERVICES IN FRANCE 1919 Q8016

Olive Edis (1876-1955) was indeed a British photographer known for her pioneering work in the field of photography. Born in London in 1876, she grew up in Suffolk. Edis began her career as a professional photographer in the early 20th century, specialising in portraiture. One of Olive Edis' most notable contributions to photography was her work during World War I. She became the first female war photographer, capturing images of soldiers and the home front. Her photographs documented the experiences of the armed forces and civilians during the war. In addition to her war photography, Edis gained recognition for her portrait work, capturing images of prominent figures of her time, including members of the British royal family, writers, artists and politicians. She also photographed the fishing communities of Norfolk and worked on various maritime projects. Olive Edis was a trailblazer for women in photography, breaking gender barriers in a male-dominated profession of her era. Her legacy is celebrated for both her technical skill and her contribution to the documentation of historical events. After her death in 1955, her work continued to be recognised and appreciated, and her photographs are preserved in various collections and archives.