Harriet Sophia Cobb facts for kids

Harriet Sophia Cobb was a talented photographer from New Zealand. She was born Harriet Day on February 10, 1846, and passed away on December 18, 1929. Harriet ran two very successful photography studios for many years. Today, her amazing photographs are kept at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.

Harriet's Early Life

Harriet was born in 1846 in a place called Winfarthing, in the United Kingdom. She was the oldest of nine children. Her father, Robert Day, was also a photographer. He taught Harriet all about photography when she was young. In 1866, Harriet married Joseph Edward Cobb. Together, they had a very large family with 15 children!

Her Photography Journey

In 1867, Harriet and her husband opened their first photography studio. It was located near Bournemouth in the United Kingdom.

Moving to New Zealand

In 1884, Harriet and Joseph decided to move to New Zealand. They traveled there with nine of their children. They arrived in Wellington on a ship called the Lady Jocelyn. Soon after arriving, they opened a new photography studio in the Hawke's Bay.

Running Her Own Studios

Harriet and Joseph had two studios. One was in Napier (starting in 1884) and the other in Hastings (starting in 1885). In 1887, Joseph faced financial difficulties. Harriet then took over the businesses completely. She ran them successfully on her own until she retired in 1911.

Exhibitions and Awards

Harriet's photographs were very impressive. In 1885, she showed a series of her photos at New Zealand's first big exhibition in Wellington. This event was like a large public show for new inventions and artworks. Her work was so good that a famous scientist, Julius von Haast, chose it. Her photos were then sent to a major exhibition in London in 1886.

In 1889, Harriet also sent her photographs to another exhibition. This one was held in Dunedin. She won a special first-class award for her unique "life studies" photographs.

Supporting Women's Rights

Harriet was also involved in important social changes. In 1892, when she was 46 years old, she signed the Women's suffrage petition. This petition was a request for women to have the right to vote. At that time, she had just welcomed her youngest child, John Wesley, who was her 15th child.

Harriet Sophia Cobb passed away on December 18, 1929, in Otahuhu, Auckland.