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Outlook: Ghana's first photojournalist who found fame in his 90s

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Ghana's first photojournalist James Barnor at home in front of his black and white photos

12/09/2022 GMT

Ghana's first photojournalist who found fame in his 90s

BBC World Service - Outlook, Ghana's first photojournalist who found fame in his 90s

James Barnor's work had fallen into obscurity but then came a big birthday present

James Barnor captured pivotal moments in Ghana's history. But his work fell into obscurity, until an exhibition for his 80th birthday brought him international attention.

93-year-old James Barnor got a reputation as Ghana's first photojournalist when he was recruited by the Daily Graphic newspaper in the 1950s. He covered big news events, most notably Ghana's independence in 1957. James moved to London and his magazine cover shots with black models in the sixties became iconic. But his work fell into obscurity and later in life he worked as a cleaner at an airport. He tells Emily Webb how an exhibition of his photography, to mark his 80th birthday, propelled his back catalogue into the limelight and has given him international recognition. Since then James has had major exhibitions in Ghana, France and at London's Serpentine Gallery.   

Get in touch: outlook@bbc.com

Presenter: Emily Webb
Producer: Deiniol Buxton

(Photo: James Barnor at home. Credit: Emily Webb)

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