James Barnor

James Barnor born 6^th June 1929 in Ghana. After leaving school his teacher gave him a brownie camera where he took his first picture age 17. Mr Barnor is a international icon known for his photographic work capturing Ghanaian history, art, culture and community figures since 1950s. 

James Barnor 95 – celebrating a legacy of art and culture. Several events took place in Ghana during the month of June with a programme of exhibitions and documentaries, whilst honouring and celebrating his 95^th birthday. 

 

Who is James Barnor
Ghana’s first full-time photojournalist who set up Ever Young Studio in James Town, Accra in 1949

He contributed to the Daily Graphic newspaper, documenting key events and figures in the lead-up to Ghana’s independence in 1957. Became Dr Kwame Nkrumah official photographer

(Self Portrait with Kwame Nkrumah, Roy Ankrah and his Wife, Rebecca, Accra)

During his time in UK in the 60’s and 70’s he worked for the Drum and continued to photograph family and friends, documenting African life in Britian.

(Image of my Aunty Sophia Solomon, daughter of Mr Barnors landlady c1972 @james_barnor_archives)

In London he studied colour processing within 10 years and set up the first colour processing facilities in Ghana in 1970

One of his favourite pictures – Baby on all Fours.

(Baby on All Fours, Eric Nii Addoquaye Ankhra, Ever Young Studio, Accra, c. 1952)

Award winning photographer with international recognition.

 

It was a pleasure meeting Mr James Barnor on his recent visit to Ghana. 

Bless Sister E