Claude Harris(1883-1961)

Claude Harris (Hubert Claude) was a high-profile London photographer, film director and inventor. He began his career at 17 years old, when he became a photography manager in Eastbourne. During his early training with Lafayette’s of Dublin, he developed the delicate "knifing" retouching technique, which became one of his trademarks. He was known for being a master of light, particularly in his dramatically lit portrait studies. He served with the Imperial Yeomanry and later in the Royal Naval Air Service, working within the photography department where he taught students and officers, passing on the technical knowledge that shaped so much of his work. His main studio eventually occupied a prominent position on Regent Street. Claude became known for his friendships and associations in high society, photographing members of the Royal Family, including King Edward VIII and Lady Elizabeth Bowes Lyon (later Queen Elizabeth, The Queen Mother). He also worked with leading figures in theatre, politics, literature, music, film and among the aristocracy, and even spent six months working with Anna Pavlova, capturing the artistry and movement that made her world-famous. Today, his great-great-granddaughter, Elaine, is committed to preserving his legacy and bringing his remarkable life and work back into view.