Deo Gratias Photo Studio is a photographic studio in Ghana. It was founded in 1922 by J. K. Bruce-Vanderpuije and sons; Isaac Hudson and Ernest John.[1] It is the oldest operating photographic studio in Ghana.[1] It is located in Jamestown.[2]
History
Born in 1899,[3] Vanderpuije belonged to a middle class family in Jamestown in Accra, Ghana (then Gold Coast). He begun learning photography from his master; J.A.C. Holm when he was 20 years old. After three years of apprenticeship, he founded his own studio by the name; Deo Gratias Photo Studio, meaning; "Thanks to God". His interest in photography led him to make portraits of British and Indian families, as well as black aristocrats. Through his works, his reputation grew, and he became internationally recognised. Prior to the 1970s, he worked with companies to cover product launches and rebranding exercises.[4]
Vanderpuije's son Isaac Hudson developed interest in the art of photography on his own, and with time, learnt the art. He joined his father after schooling for sometime until he gained a government scholarship to study at High School for Graphic and Book Art (Hoch Schule für Grafiek und Buch Kunst), Leipzig, Germany He was the first African to gain admission at the school's faculty of photography where he studied for five years.[4]
References
- ^ a b "ABOUT". Deo Gratias Studio. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ "Deo Gratias, The Oldest Photography Studio Still In Operation". Ghanaian Museum. 2019-12-18. Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ Africa, Art South. "TELLING THE STORY: DEO GRATIAS By Billie McTernan - Art Africa Magazine". Retrieved 2022-01-29.
- ^ a b GreenViews (2020-03-16). "Deo Gratias Photo Studio, a treasure in the "ruins" of Jamestown". Green Views Residential Project. Retrieved 2022-01-29.