This item, The British Journal of Photography, holds a deep and personal memory for me because it initiated a new adventure for me. When I was a little girl I never would have concluded that at my age that I would open a photography studio. However, it is a journey and decision that I will forget nevermore. I remember the day we made the decision as a family to open a photography studio like it was yesterday. It was a warm day in April and I was on my way home from the park where I like to write. My thoughts were consumed by the financial issues my family was having and I desired to mend the issue. On my walk home, I found a British Journal of Photography magazine in the street on top of a pile of garbage. How could someone have trashed something so lovely? This magazine kindled an idea in my mind that I speculated could get us out of poverty. When I arrived home, I saw Lucy sitting in the living room. I took a seat with her and waited for Frances and Phyllis to join us before telling them my proposal. Once they all arrived, holding the photography magazine in hand, I told them my idea to open a photography studio. This one little thought sparked a whole new journey for my family. This is why I kept this volume of The British Journal of Photography, as a reminder of how far my family has come.
Editorial commentary: Looking back on volumes of The British Journal of Photography compared to the ones today, it has changed tremendously. These magazines used to be mainly articles and stories without actual pictures. However, Gertrude’s creative mind sparked an idea. Cameras were a less common technology during this time so she was innovative for getting that business idea started. But how does this relate to her keeping this item? Although Gertrude lived in the Victorian era she stands out compared to other women because she shares many similar traits to women today. Women during the Victorian era were seen as counterparts to men. Nonetheless, Gertrude breaks the social standards because she is strong and self-sufficient with ambitious goals. But, like many women she is very selfless. Due this quality of selflessness, many women tend to put others ahead of themselves. Since Gertrude’s mother is not around anymore, she has to take on the duties of a mother. Like any good mother, most would put their kids' needs ahead of their own. Since Gertrude has to take on a motherly role for her family, she adapts all of these qualities. From the way she writes about this magazine, as the reader it can be seen that she has strong emotions attached to it. This magazine sparked an idea that changed her and her family’s lives forever. Generally speaking, many mothers tend to keep things that remind them of their family. As the “mother” of the household, this item is a trophy to her because she is proud of what she and her siblings accomplished.
Citation: Getty Research Institute. The British Journal of Photography, 1870, https://archive.org/details/britishjournalof16unse/page/240/mode/2up.