George Shaw: Birmingham’s Photographic Pioneer
George Shaw (1818–1904) was Birmingham’s first photographer – a visionary innovator whose work helped place the city at the forefront of photographic, scientific and cultural discovery.
Yet, while Birmingham proudly celebrates figures such as Boulton and Watt, Benjamin Zephaniah, Ozzy Osbourne, Joan Armatrading and even the fictional Tommy Shelby, Shaw’s story remained largely forgotten.
This ongoing project, delivered by Birmingham Colmore through the Colmore Placemaking Working Group, brings his extraordinary legacy back into the light – reconnecting the city with one of its most remarkable pioneers.
A Forgotten Innovator
Born in Dudley to a glass-making family, Shaw was a patent agent, chemist, lecturer, artist and educator. In 1839, he created Birmingham’s very first daguerreotype photograph, making him a true pioneer of early photography.
Shaw’s influence extended far beyond the camera. He:
- Lectured widely on chemistry and scientific innovation
- Helped establish Birmingham’s first free public library
- Organised the influential 1849 Exhibition of Manufactures and Art
- Collaborated with leading scientific figures, including Michael Faraday, metallurgist John Percy, and artist Frederick Henry Henshaw
His work positioned Birmingham as a centre of photographic experimentation and creative industry during the Victorian era.
Rediscovering George Shaw
Shaw’s legacy has been revived thanks to the discovery of rare daguerreotypes by the late Pete James, former curator of photographs at Birmingham Central Library. These works are now the focus of ongoing research by artist Jo Gane, whose practice-based PhD explores Shaw’s artistic and scientific network in Birmingham.
Working in partnership with Birmingham Colmore, Jo Gane has helped uncover and reinterpret Shaw’s story for contemporary audiences.
Landmark Public Exhibition
A major public exhibition, Birmingham’s Photographic Pioneer, brings George Shaw’s work back into the heart of the city.
The free, open-air exhibition was displayed at the West Midlands Metro Town Hall stop, outside Queens College Chambers – a building where Shaw lectured and worked. The exhibition included:
- Reproductions of rare daguerreotypes and calotype photographs
- Archival materials and historical documents
- Artworks from Shaw’s collaborations
- Insights into early photographic processes
- Exploration of Birmingham’s role in photographic innovation
The exhibition has been designed by Stacey Barnfield and produced by Jo Gane, funded and delivered by Birmingham Colmore.
Culture, Innovation and Placemaking
The George Shaw project forms part of Birmingham Colmore’s wider placemaking programme – using art, heritage and storytelling to animate public space, strengthen local identity, and celebrate the District’s cultural legacy.
Through this project, Birmingham Colmore is proud to honour a forgotten pioneer and invite the city to reflect on its rich history of innovation, creativity and collaboration.
Colmore Placemaking Working Group
This project is delivered through the Colmore Placemaking Working Group, which uses culture, heritage and public art to create meaningful places, strengthen the District’s identity, and connect people to Colmore’s past, present and future.
Find out more about the Colmore Placemaking Working Group.
