Unveiling the Shadows of the Past: J.K. Bruce-Vanderpuije – the hidden icon of photography in Africa

The first gallery show to be dedicated to the work of the noted Ghanaian photographer’s seminal works, telling the story of Ghanaian modern history through the lens of a local and one which captures the nation in the throes of British colonial rule yet on the cusp of independence. As the gallery note says, “The power behind Bruce-Vanderpuije’s images lies in the pride and determination of each sitter captured during a period in which two worlds merge into one: Ghanaian traditional heritage and western style modernity”.

Curated by Ethiopian photographer Aida Muluneh, the show will have more than two dozen previously unseen black-and-white images by Bruce-Vanderpuije, depicting life in Ghana in the 1920s and 30s and offering insight into the formation of an independent, 20th-century Ghanaian social and political identity.

To 20 February.

The opening evening (12 January, 6.30-8pm) features a discussion between curator Aïda Muluneh and J.K. Bruce-Vanderpuije’s granddaughter Kate Tamakloe covering the photograph’s career and the importance of archiving and photography on the African continent from the 1920s to the present day.

Above: J.K. Bruce-Vanderpuije, Achimota School Boxing Club 1933