Speed of Light by Laura Cumming

Through the lives of five groundbreaking photographers, Laura Cumming explores a 19th-century technological revolution that changed the way we see ourselves forever.

Radio 4,5 episodes

Episodes

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1. Alexander Gardner: Photographing the American Civil War
An exhilarating exploration of 19th-century photography begins on the battlefield.
28 Jul 2025,14 mins
2. William Notman - A Master of Innovation
In Canada, William Notman's innovative methods capture the building of a nation.
29 Jul 2025,14 mins
3. John Mayall - A Celebrity Photographer
The photographer John Mayall's candid images of Victoria and Albert spark a new craze.
30 Jul 2025,14 mins
4. Alphonse Bertillon - The Mugshot
Alphonse Bertillon, a Parisian policeman & photographer, leaves behind an enduring legacy.
31 Jul 2025,14 mins
5. Nadar - The Psychological Side of Photography
Nadar, the photographer adept at capturing his subjects' inner worlds in the 19th century.
01 Aug 2025,14 mins