Forgotten images pioneer George Shaw celebrated with landmark exhibition

Image credit score: Stacey Barnfield

• A significant new exhibition is stay Birmingham city-centre to have fun George Shaw (1818-1904), the town’s first photographer and a pioneering determine in Victorian artwork and science.  

• Rare photographs and archival supplies are being showcased, together with reproductions of daguerreotypes lately uncovered by the late Pete James and researched by artist Jo Gane. 

• The exhibition shall be stay on the West Midlands Metro Town Hall cease in November and December 2025. 

• ‘Birmingham’s Photographic Pioneer’ has been funded and delivered by Colmore BID. 

Colmore BID is shining a highlight on considered one of its most missed innovators, unveiling a brand-new exhibition ‘Birmingham’s Photographic Pioneer’ honouring George Shaw (1818-1904), the town’s first photographer and true unsung hero of Victorian Birmingham. 

Produced by artist Jo Gane and organised and funded by Colmore Business District (BID), the free, open to all exhibition explores Shaw’s pioneering contributions to images, science and civic life, and goals to revive his rightful place among the many metropolis’s celebrated figures.   

While Birmingham proudly commemorates icons like Boulton and Watt, Benjamin Zephaniah, Ozzy Osbourne and even the fictional Tommy Shelby, George Shaw’s legacy has remained largely unrecognised – till now. Born in Dudley and the son of a glass maker, Shaw was a patent agent, chemist, artist and educator who made Birmingham’s first daguerreotype {photograph} in 1839. 

Shaw’s affect prolonged far past images, lecturing extensively on chemistry and scientific developments. He performed a key position within the metropolis’s instructional establishments, serving to to set up Birmingham’s first free public library. His work caught the eye of scientist Michael Faraday, the place Shaw collaborated with metallurgist John Percy on groundbreaking photographic experiments. 

Designed and organized by Birmingham designer Stacey Barnfield, the exhibition is situated on the West Midlands Metro Town Hall cease, outdoors Queens College Chambers, a key constructing the place Shaw lectured and undertook his observe. It will showcase reproductions of uncommon daguerreotypes uncovered by the late Pete James, former curator of pictures at Birmingham Central Library.  

These photographs, now the topic of a practice-based PhD examine by artist Jo Gane, provide a singular glimpse into Shaw’s inventive and scientific legacy.  

In partnership with the Colmore BID group, Gane has developed this exhibition to reconnect Birmingham with its revolutionary industrial and inventive previous. She mentioned: “It has been a privilege to research Shaw’s photographs and uncover the activities of his network in Birmingham that tells a fascinating story of art, science and industry.” 

Exhibition highlights embody reproductions of uncommon daguerreotypes and calotype pictures by George Shaw, archival supplies and artworks from Shaw’s collaborations with John Percy and Frederick Henry Henshaw, perception into Shaw’s position in main exhibitions together with the 1851 Great Exhibition and shows exploring early photographic processes and Birmingham’s position of their growth.  

Melanie Williams, Colmore BID Board Director and lead of Outstanding Places mentioned: “George Shaws’ story is a powerful reminder of Birmingham’s legacy as a city of innovation and creativity. We’re proud to deliver this exhibition which not only celebrates a largely unrecognised pioneer, but also invites the city to better reflect and respect its rich industrial and artistic heritage.” 

Recognised as one of many main BIDs within the nation via initiatives centered on offering worth and high quality to levy-payers, Colmore BID works to create a thriving city-centre surroundings for companies, residents, and guests.  

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