Frances Benjamin Johnston (1864–1952) achieved acclaim in the late nineteenth century as an accomplished photographer. One of the first women in a field dominated by men, she was known for her portraiture, artistic studies, photojournalism, garden, and architectural photography.

Drawing upon Johnston’s original papers and photographs from the Library of Congress, Maria Ausherman focuses on Johnston’s most compendious project: to visually record the traditional architecture of the South across nine states.

Johnston’s work had a lasting impact on her times. She was a vital force in the early historic preservation movement, and her work remains well known and discussed to this day. Ausherman’s examination of this extraordinary photographer’s career shows both the early origins of her style and vision, as well as her attempts to change society through her art.

Maria Ausherman, a fellow Tar Heel, is an independent scholar interested in the history of preservation in the U.S., the history of photography, and the intersection of fine arts and documentation. She lives in New York City.
Photography/History/Architecture