James Barnor: Accra/London—A Retrospective

May 28 – October 15, 2023

Updated Apr 3, 2023

The DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts) proudly presents the exhibition, James Barnor: Accra/London—A Retrospective, a comprehensive survey of the work of Ghanaian photographer James Barnor whose career spans more than six decades. A studio portraitist, photojournalist, and Black lifestyle photographer, Barnor was born in 1929 in the West African nation of Ghana. He established his famous Ever Young Studio in Accra in the early 1950s and devoted his early photography to documenting critical social and political changes that animated the nation on the cusp of independence from Britain. Read the full press release

James Barnor: Accra/London—A Retrospective is initiated and organized by Serpentine, London.

At the Detroit Institute of Arts, the exhibition is generously funded by the Salle Owen Kaichen Trust and the Ford Motor Company Fund. 

Additional support is provided by DTE Foundation, the Bella and Don Barden Foundation, the Desk Drawer Fund, the Friends of Prints, Drawings & Photographs, and Friends of African & African American Art.

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9 James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). A shop assistant at Sick-Hagemeyer Accra, 1971 (printed 2010–20). Chromogenic print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

The DIA (Detroit Institute of Arts) proudly presents the exhibition, James Barnor: Accra/London—A Retrospective, a comprehensive survey of the work of Ghanaian photographer James Barnor whose career spans more than six decades. A studio portraitist, photojournalist, and Black lifestyle photographer, Barnor was born in 1929 in the West African nation of Ghana. He established his famous Ever Young Studio in Accra in the early 1950s and devoted his early photography to documenting critical social and political changes that animated the nation on the cusp of independence from Britain. Read the full press release

James Barnor: Accra/London—A Retrospective is initiated and organized by Serpentine, London.

At the Detroit Institute of Arts, the exhibition is generously funded by the Salle Owen Kaichen Trust and the Ford Motor Company Fund. 

Additional support is provided by DTE Foundation, the Bella and Don Barden Foundation, the Desk Drawer Fund, the Friends of Prints, Drawings & Photographs, and Friends of African & African American Art.

Explore the Exhibition Read the blog

Press Images

9 James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). A shop assistant at Sick-Hagemeyer Accra, 1971 (printed 2010–20). Chromogenic print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). A shop assistant at Sick-Hagemeyer Accra, 1971 (printed 2010–20). Chromogenic print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Members of the Tunbridge Wells Overseas Club relaxing after a hot summer Sunday walk, Kent, c. 1968 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Members of the Tunbridge Wells Overseas Club relaxing after a hot summer Sunday walk, Kent, c. 1968 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). A group of friends after the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Sackey, Balham, London, 1966 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). A group of friends after the wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Sackey, Balham, London, 1966 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Photo session with musician, Salaga Market, Accra, c.1974-76 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Photo session with musician, Salaga Market, Accra, c.1974-76 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Ms. Bruce portrayed in her new hairstyle after school, Ever Young Studio, Jamestown, Accra, 1956 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Ms. Bruce portrayed in her new hairstyle after school, Ever Young Studio, Jamestown, Accra, 1956 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Sister holding brother outside Studio X23, Accra, 1979 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Sister holding brother outside Studio X23, Accra, 1979 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Drum magazine cover model Constance Mulondo, London, 1967 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Drum magazine cover model Constance Mulondo, London, 1967 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Muhammad Ali preparing for his fight against Brian London, 1966 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Muhammad Ali preparing for his fight against Brian London, 1966 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Muhammad Ali surrounded by fans after winning the Earl’s Court fight against Brian London, London, 1966 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Muhammad Ali surrounded by fans after winning the Earl’s Court fight against Brian London, London, 1966 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Tempos Band, birthday celebrations, Adabraka neighborhood, Accra, 1958 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Tempos Band, birthday celebrations, Adabraka neighborhood, Accra, 1958 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Harbor boat race during independence celebrations, Accra Beach, 1957 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Harbor boat race during independence celebrations, Accra Beach, 1957 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Independence Celebrations: arrival of American Vice President Richard Nixon, Accra, 1957 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Independence Celebrations: arrival of American Vice President Richard Nixon, Accra, 1957 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Dr. J. B. Danquah, leader of the National Liberation Movement, Accra, 1957 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Dr. J. B. Danquah, leader of the National Liberation Movement, Accra, 1957 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). National Liberation Movement political rally, Kumasi, 1956 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). National Liberation Movement political rally, Kumasi, 1956 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Nashdom Abbey, Francis Thompson, 1962 (printed 2010–20). Chromogenic print. October Gallery, London.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Nashdom Abbey, Francis Thompson, 1962 (printed 2010–20). Chromogenic print. October Gallery, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Eva, Barnor’s niece and daughter of J. Peter Doodoo, London, 1960-69 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Eva, Barnor’s niece and daughter of J. Peter Doodoo, London, 1960-69 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Untitled #7 (Barnor’s daughters Mavis and Mary Barnor with an Agfa-Gevaert promotional ball), Accra, 1970 (printed 2010–20). Chromogenic print. Autograph, London.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Untitled #7 (Barnor’s daughters Mavis and Mary Barnor with an Agfa-Gevaert promotional ball), Accra, 1970 (printed 2010–20). Chromogenic print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Mike Eghan at Piccadilly Circus, London, 1967 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Mike Eghan at Piccadilly Circus, London, 1967 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Four Nurses (graduates of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital), Ever Young Studio, Accra, c. 1955 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Four Nurses (graduates of Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital), Ever Young Studio, Accra, c. 1955 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). The pastor (Oscar Lamptey), Mamprobi, Accra, 1955 (printed 2023). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). The pastor (Oscar Lamptey), Mamprobi, Accra, 1955 (printed 2023). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Naa Jacobson as Ballroom Queen after a fashion show, Ever Young Studio, Jamestown, Accra, c. 1955 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Naa Jacobson as Ballroom Queen after a fashion show, Ever Young Studio, Jamestown, Accra, c. 1955 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Beatrice Okaijah with trademark figurine, Ever Young Studio, Accra, c. 1953 (printed 2010-20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Beatrice Okaijah with trademark figurine, Ever Young Studio, Accra, c. 1953 (printed 2010-20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Ginger Nyarku wearing the Coronation Belt, Accra, 1953 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Ginger Nyarku wearing the Coronation Belt, Accra, 1953 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Self-portrait with Kwame Nkrumah (far left), and Roy and Rebecca Ankrah (center), Accra, c. 1952 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Self-portrait with Kwame Nkrumah (far left), and Roy and Rebecca Ankrah (center), Accra, c. 1952 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Kwame Nkrumah in his prison graduate cap, kicking a soccer ball before the start of an international match at Owusu Memorial Park, Fadama neighborhood, Accra, 1952 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Kwame Nkrumah in his prison graduate cap, kicking a soccer ball before the start of an international match at Owusu Memorial Park, Fadama neighborhood, Accra, 1952 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Roy Ankrah during training, Accra, 1951 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris. © James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Roy Ankrah during training, Accra, 1951 (printed 2010–20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

© James Barnor, courtesy Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). The first photograph taken at Ever Young Studio, Jamestown, Accra, 1953 (printed 2010– 20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Erlin Ilbreck, photoshoot at Campbell-Drayton Studio in Gary’s Inn road, London, 1966-67 (printed 2010– 20). Gelatin silver print. Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière, Paris.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Drum magazine cover model Marie Hallowi, Charing Cross Station, London, 1966 (printed 2010-20). Chromogenic print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Two friends dressed for a church celebration posing with Barnor’s car, Accra, 1970 (printed 2010-20). Chromogenic print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Drum magazine cover model Marie Hallowi, Kent, 1966 (printed 2010-20). Chromogenic print. Autograph, London.

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James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Erlin Ilbreck, Drum magazine cover model, London, 1966 (printed 2010–20). Chromogenic print. Autograph, London.

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Explore

James Barnor (Ghana, b. 1929). Studio Ever Young, Accra, c. 1950s. Gelatin silver print. Courtesy of Galerie Clémentine de la Féronnière.
Exhibition

James Barnor: Accra/London

May 28 – October 15, 2023

In the Museum