Thinking through photographs: A roundtable with Professor Elizabeth Edwards FBA

In her most recent book Photographs and the Practice of History: A Short Primer (Bloomsbury 2022), renowned historian and visual anthropologist Elizabeth Edwards asks, ‘What is it to write history or indeed be involved with wider forms of history making in an age in which photographs exist?’ The impact the existence of photography has had – and continues to have – on historical inquiry is the focus of the book’s eight concise chapters.

In this roundtable, Professor Edwards will discuss her reasons for writing it and what she hopes it will achieve. Joining her are three Durham University academics who also use photography in their research: Professor Nayanika Mookherjee (Anthropology), Professor Jonathan Long (Modern Languages and Cultures), and Professor Christina Riggs (History).

Participants may wish to read the Introduction to Edwards’ book ahead of time, available through the Durham University ‘Discover’ catalogue (link below) – and come prepared to discuss the use of photography in their own research, archival, or curatorial practices. All are welcome, with MA, PhD, and early career scholars especially encouraged to attend.

Photographs and the Practice of History: A Short Primer, through ProQuest Ebooks: https://durham.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/44DUR_INST/1i081av/cdi_askewsholts_vlebooks_9781350120679