Miss Belle Johnson

Photo of Miss Belle Johnson

Provided by MaryBeth Kirtlink

Biography of Miss Belle Johnson

Belle Johnson (1864-1945), born in Mendota, Illinois, was known as an eccentric, unorthodox artist whose creativity was uninhibited by conventional photographic techniques. Her 200-some photographs in the collection of the Massillon Museum were donated by her friend and fellow photographer, William L. Bennett. The Museum is fortunate to have a significant number of his prints and negatives in the collection as well. With him, Johnson exchanged ideas and techniques, and several of her photographs are inscribed on the back to William L. Bennett.

Johnson opened a portrait studio in Monroe City, Missouri, where she spent the remainder of her life. Johnson first signed her prints “Miss Belle Johnson,” then “Belle Johnson,” and eventually an abbreviated “B.J.” She was active in a number of photography organizations, often placed her images in competitions. On several occasions her photographs earned first prize recognition. As told in an account by Belle Johnson scholar Juanita Yates, the photographer was once asked whether or not it was hard for a woman to get ahead in a world of male photographers. Johnson responded with “no,” adding that she made sure to it she was better than they were at the photographic medium.

Belle Johnson’s photographs are known worldwide, which is attributed largely to their reproduction in books and magazines. Her photograph of three women with long hair that nearly reaches the floor has enjoyed the most popularity, having been reproduced in the Smithsonian Magazine in addition to several other publications.

Biography kindly provided by:

Alexandra Nicholis

Curator, Massillon Museum

Links

Links to sites of photographs taken by Miss Belle Johnson:

Alice Gander Bell graciously provided these links to her family photos by Belle Johnson:

http://www.alicebell.com/images/Ancestors/JA_Jarboe.jpg http://www.alicebell.com/images/JA_Jarboe/jarboes_1945.jpg http://www.alicebell.com/images/CR_Gander/Class_of_1934_8x10.jpg http://www.alicebell.com/images/CR_Gander/Oct131937.JPG http://www.alicebell.com/images/Kathleen/Kathleen_wedding.JPG http://www.alicebell.com/images/Rosalie/Rosalie_Larry_wedding.jpg http://www.alicebell.com/images/CR_Gander/jo_hs1.jpg http://www.alicebell.com/images/Bernadette/Bernadette.jpg