Alice Austen facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Alice Austen
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Austen in Richmondtown, Staten Island on October 9, 1951, for her photo exhibition
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Elizabeth Alice Munn
March 17, 1866 Rosebank, New York City, New York, United States
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| Died | June 9, 1952 (aged 86) |
| Resting place | Moravian Cemetery |
| Occupation | Photographer |
| Years active | 1880s–1930s |
| Partner(s) | Gertrude Amelia Tate (1899–1950~) |
| Parent(s) | Alice Cornell Austen (1836–1900) |
Elizabeth Alice Austen (born March 17, 1866 – died June 9, 1952) was an American photographer. She lived and worked in Staten Island, New York.
Contents
Alice Austen's Life and Work
Alice Austen was born in 1866. Her parents were Alice Cornell Austen and Edward Stopford Munn. Her father left the family around 1869. Alice's great-great-grandfather, Peter Townsend, owned a famous iron company. This company made the Hudson River Chain. This chain helped stop British ships during the American Revolutionary War.
Becoming a Photographer
Alice started learning about photography when she was just 10 years old in 1876. She used a closet on the second floor of her home as her darkroom. Her house was right by the New York Narrows Harbor. This home was also one of her favorite subjects to photograph.
From her home studio, Alice took more than 7,000 pictures. These photos showed how New York City was changing quickly. She made important contributions to photography. She documented immigrant groups in New York. She also photographed social events for women. And she captured the natural beauty and buildings she saw on her travels.
Breaking Barriers
Alice Austen was one of the first female photographers in America to work outside a studio. She often rode her bicycle, carrying up to 50 pounds of camera gear. She wanted to capture the world around her. Her photos show street life and private moments.
Alice was a rebel for her time. She didn't follow all the strict rules for women in the Victorian era. She created an independent life for herself. This life broke many social rules and expectations for women.
For most of her life, Alice had her own money. Because of this, many people thought she was just a hobby photographer. But Alice did take on paid jobs. For example, she documented people at immigrant quarantine stations in New York in the 1890s. She also protected her work with copyrights. And she showed and published her photographs.
Important Relationships
Alice Austen had a very close and important relationship with Gertrude Tate. They were partners for 53 years. For 30 of those years, they lived together in Alice's home. This house is now the Alice Austen House Museum. It is a special place that celebrates important historical relationships.
Alice's photographs are unique because they show the close friendships between women in the Victorian era. Her way of life, and that of her friends, was not traditional. Even though these photos were meant for private viewing, they are now some of her most famous works.
Later Life and Rediscovery
Alice lost her money in the stock market crash of 1929. She and Gertrude were forced to leave their home in 1945. They were separated because of their poverty. Alice moved to the Staten Island Farm Colony. Gertrude visited her there every week.
In 1951, a historian named Oliver Jensen rediscovered Alice's photographs. Money was raised by publishing her pictures. This allowed Alice to move to a private nursing home. Alice Austen passed away on June 9, 1952. Alice and Gertrude had wished to be buried together. But their families did not allow this.
Timeline of Alice Austen's Life
- 1866: Alice is born and baptized.
- 1876: She starts taking photographs.
- 1899: She meets Gertrude Tate.
- 1917: Gertrude Tate moves into Alice's home.
- 1929: The stock market crashes, and Alice loses her money.
- 1945: Alice and Gertrude are evicted from their home.
- 1950: Alice is declared very poor, then her work is rediscovered.
- 1951: "Alice Austen Day" is celebrated.
- 1952: Alice Austen passes away.
- 1976: Clear Comfort (Alice's home) becomes a National Landmark.
- 2017: The Landmark Designation is updated to include its importance to historical relationships.
Alice Austen's Legacy
The Alice Austen School, PS 60, in Bulls Head, Staten Island, is named after her. A Staten Island Ferry boat also carries her name.
A play called Alice in Black and White tells Alice's life story. It covers the years from 1876 to 1951. The play also shows how Oliver Jensen found Alice and her old glass negatives. This play first opened in 2016. This was 150 years after Alice was born.
Alice's life and work also inspired a book for young readers. It is called Alice Austen Lived Here by Alex Gino. In this book, two middle school students work on a US History report about Alice Austen.
Gallery
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Street types of New York City-Emigrant and pretzel vendor
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Street Types of New York City-Messenger boy and bike
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New York City, 1897. The organ grinder and his wife
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Street types of New York City-Street cleaner with pick ax standing in front of pile of snow
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Quarantine station, Hoffman island, NYC-group of immigrants amid buildings
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Immigrants from a smallpox ship, held in custody for observation, behind wire fence, Hoffman Island, N.Y.
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Ladies' Home Journal Vol. 11 No. 09 (August, 1894)
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New York City Street sweeper and handcart
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Street types of New York City-Policeman, standing full length facing left
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Street types of New York City-2 rag carts
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Street types of New York City-Postman at letter box
See also
In Spanish: Alice Austen para niños
