Olive Edis (1876–1955) was the first female war photographer and, against the expectations of her gender during the Edwardian era, achieved a great deal of success. From the fishermen of Norfolk, to the literary elite and members of the Royal Family, she captured portraits of the entire spectrum of British society in the first half of the twentieth century.


Still today, many of her photographs can be viewed in Cromer Museum, which acquired a vast collection of her works from her former assistant Cyril Nunn.


Take a look at five of her startling photographs on Art UK.

Artists featured in this Curation: Olive Edis (1876–1955)
5 artworks
Olive Edis Wearing Sou'wester Hat
© the copyright holder. Image credit: Cromer Museum

Olive Edis Wearing Sou'wester Hat

Olive Edis (1876–1955)

Black & white print

H 15 x W 10 cm

Cromer Museum

Cock Robin
© the copyright holder. Image credit: Cromer Museum

Cock Robin

Olive Edis (1876–1955)

Silver print

H 20 x W 15 cm

Cromer Museum

Cromer Lighthouse
© the copyright holder. Image credit: Cromer Museum

Cromer Lighthouse

Olive Edis (1876–1955)

Black & white print

H 10.5 x W 15 cm

Cromer Museum

Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (1848–1939)
© the copyright holder. Image credit: Cromer Museum

Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll (1848–1939) 1900–1955

Olive Edis (1876–1955)

Black & white print

H 17.5 x W 12 cm

Cromer Museum

Cyril Nunn
© the copyright holder. Image credit: Cromer Museum

Cyril Nunn

Olive Edis (1876–1955)

Black & white print

H 18.8 x W 13.6 cm

Cromer Museum