Request to view

This object can be requested via email from the Prints & Drawings Study Room

Image of Gallery in South Kensington

Kittens' Party

Photograph
1899 (photographed)
Artist/Maker
Spencer (photographer)

Black and white photograph depicting a child setting out a circle of saucers

Object details

Categories
Photographs
The Royal Photographic Society
Object type
Photograph
TitleKittens' Party (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Platinum print
Photographic Paper
Platinum
Photography
Brief description
Photograph by Ema Spencer, 'Kittens' Party', 1930, platinum print
Physical description
Black and white photograph depicting a child setting out a circle of saucers
Style
19th Century Last Quarter
Gallery label
Photography Centre 2018-20:

Collection in Focus: Alvin Langdon Coburn (1882–1966)

The British-American photographer Alvin Langdon Coburn enjoyed success on both sides of the Atlantic. Active in the early 20th century, he gained recognition from a young age as a talented photographer. His style ranged from the painterly softness of Pictorialism to the unusual vantage points and abstraction of Modernism. As well as being a practising photographer, Coburn was an avid collector. In 1930 he donated over 600 photographs to the Royal Photographic Society. The gift included examples of Coburn’s own work alongside that of his contemporaries, many of whom are now considered to be the most influential of their generation. Coburn also collected historic photographs, and was among the first in his time to rediscover and appreciate the work of 19th-century masters like Julia Margaret Cameron and Hill and Adamson.

16. Ema Spencer (1857–1941)
Kitten’s Party
About 1899
Platinum print
Museum no. RPS.1217-2018
Credit line
The Royal Photographic Society Collection at the V&A, acquired with the generous assistance of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Art Fund.
Object history
Given to the RPS by Alvin Langdon Coburn, 1930
Other number
6909 - Royal Photographic Society number
Collection
Department of Photography
Accession number
RPS.1217-2018

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdFebruary 23, 2018
Record URL
https://collections.vam.ac.uk/item/O1433561/kittens-party-photograph-spencer/
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest