James Barnor: The Photographer Who Captured Six Decades of Change

On June 6th, 2024, James Barnor celebrated his 95th birthday! This pioneering Ghanaian-British photographer is known for his work in photojournalism and studio portraiture. He was Ghana’s first newspaper photographer and the visionary behind the country’s first color processing lab. Barnor’s photographs document life in Ghana as the nation transitioned to independence.

In the 1970s, Barnor moved to London, where he captured the multiplicity of Black diasporan life. As a freelance photographer for Drum magazine, Barnor shot covers, fashion editorials, and current events.

In 2021, I spoke with Barnor during his first retrospective at the Serpentine Gallery in London. Our conversation explored various aspects of his life and career. We discussed his experiences in teaching and police photography and how his family played a pivotal role in shaping his career as a photographer. Barnor shared anecdotes about his encounters with Ghana's first Prime Minister, Kwame Nkrumah, the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali, and Ghanian Opposition Leader J.B Danquah.

Subscribe to the Kutimba With Siima newsletter to hear Barnor discuss his favourite photograph.

Host: Siima Itabaaza

Guest: James Barnor

Story editing and advising: Allison Behringer of Rough Cut Collective

Email: [email protected]

IG: @kutimbawithsiima