The legendary Ghanaian photographer, James Barnor, has gained renewed recognition in recent years through a series of prestigious exhibitions.
These exhibitions have showcased his pioneering photojournalistic style, particularly during Ghana’s journey to independence in the 1950s.
Mark Edwards reflects on Barnor’s illustrious six-decade career spanning two continents.
1954-56 Emma Christiana Bruce Annan, Drum Party, Chorkor beach, Accra
During the early 1950s in Accra, Barnor captured iconic images that vividly portrayed the spirit of the era.
c. 1955 The Pastor (Oscar Lamptey), Mamprobi, Accra
His lens immortalized scenes such as the vibrant “Drum Party” at Chorkor beach and intimate moments with luminaries like Kwame Nkrumah and boxing legend Muhammad Ali.
Despite his groundbreaking contributions, Barnor’s widespread acclaim came late in life.
The recognition owes much to Autograph ABP, a UK-based arts agency, which meticulously preserved Barnor’s extensive archive of over 32,000 images.
Courtesy Autograph
This archive formed the basis of his first major retrospective at Autograph’s London gallery in 2010, followed by exhibitions across Europe, the US, and Ghana.
The ongoing retrospective at London’s Serpentine Gallery, titled “Accra/London,” further celebrates Barnor’s work, highlighting his pivotal role in documenting Ghana’s path to independence. His photographs from the early 1950s capture a nation on the brink of a historic transformation, radiating hope, innocence, and dynamism.
Barnor’s journey began humbly, learning photography from his cousin before establishing his studio, Ever Young, in Jamestown.
The studio became a cultural hub where musicians, journalists, and dignitaries gathered, offering Barnor a unique vantage point to document Ghana’s evolving social fabric.
In London, Barnor continued to push boundaries, photographing the Afro diasporic community during the Swinging Sixties for The Drum magazine.
His images graced the magazine’s covers, a testament to his ability to capture the essence of a vibrant cultural moment.
1952. Kwame Nkrumah in his PG (Prison Graduate) cap, kicking a football before the start of an international match at Owusu Memorial Park in Fadama, Accra, 1952
Returning to Ghana in 1970, Barnor pioneered color photography in West Africa, managing the country’s first color-processing lab.
c. 1957 Four Nurses (graduates of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital), Ever Young Studio, Accra
his innovation revolutionized local photography, allowing Ghanaians to capture the richness of their culture in vivid color.
c 1952 Portrait of James Barnor in front of his advertising board, Accra
Throughout his career, Barnor’s photographs have not only chronicled historical moments but also celebrated the beauty and resilience of his subjects.
His legacy as Ghana’s first photojournalist continues to inspire new generations, ensuring that his work remains an enduring testament to the power of photography.