Elizabeth Pulman, New Zealand’s First Female Professional Photographer
Long before photography was widely accessible, and at a time when Victorian-era business was almost exclusively dominated by men, Elizabeth Pulman stepped behind the camera to make her mark in history.
Born in Cheshire, England, Elizabeth arrived in Auckland in 1861 alongside her husband, George Pulman. In 1867, George opened a photographic studio on Shortland Street specialising in scenic landscapes and portraiture. Elizabeth worked side by side with him, mastering the craft and the demanding technical processes of 19th-century photography.
26 Oct 1900. AWMM
When George died unexpectedly in 1871, leaving Elizabeth to raise their young family alone, many assumed the studio would close. Instead, Elizabeth took full charge of the business, becoming what many recognise as New Zealand’s first professional woman photographer.
Determined and protective of her craft, Elizabeth publicly defended her work against copyright piracy and established a thriving enterprise. Her studio produced some of the most significant visual records of 19th-century Aotearoa. Her work includes iconic portraits of notable Māori such as King Tāwhiao and Chief Paul Tuhaere, as well as breathtaking views of Auckland and the volcanic regions.
King Tawhiao. The New Zealand King or chief. Photo taken in Jan.1882 when he visited Auckland
AWMM
In 1875, Elizabeth remarried, wedding writer and journalist John Blackman. Even through life’s changes she continued at the helm of Pulman’s Photographic Studio for nearly three decades, raising nine children while keeping pace with rapid advancements in photographic technology.
Elizabeth passed away in Auckland on 3 February 1900 at the age of 63 and was laid to rest at Purewa. Today, her prints continue to be celebrated, an enduring tribute to a pioneering artist and entrepreneur of early New Zealand history.
Elizabeth Blackman
Aged 64
Block A Row 12 Plot 006
