James Barnor
Born in 1929 · Ghana / United Kingdom
Connecting Accra and London.
The story
James Barnor developed his practice between Ghana and the United Kingdom, working across portraiture, reportage and fashion. His Ever Young studio accompanied the years around Ghanaian independence. In London, he photographed the diaspora and a society undergoing change. Black and white and colour mark a career that connects histories often separated in national accounts, giving everyday lives a central place.
Understanding the work
Compare studio portraits and street scenes. Clothes, settings and colour tell stories of cultural exchange without reducing people to a single identity, period or documentary role.
Key works and series
Ever Young; photographs for Drum; Accra/London.
Sources & further exploration
Works in collections.
5 recordsPhotographs to explore on museum and library websites, with titles, dates and processes. Each link opens the collection record and its image where one is available.
- MoMA · c. 1953-54
The Olas Comedians, an All-Male Troupe of Actors, Ever Young Studio, Accra
Gelatin silver print, printed 2018-20
- MoMA · c. 1954-59
Portrait of Evelyn Abbew, Ever Young Studio, Accra
Gelatin silver print, printed 2018-20
- MoMA · 1955
J. Peter Dodoo Jr., Yoga Student of “Mr. Strong,” Ever Young Studio. Accra
Gelatin silver print, printed 2018-20
- MoMA · 1969
James Barnor at the Studio Agfa-Gevaert Studio Mortsel, Belgium
Silver dye bleach print, printed 2018-20
