Photo of the Day

Ritual procession of Buddhist nuns

May 3rd, 2012 by Kathy Hackett

In my later years in Peking I often visited a small Buddhist nunnery in the West City to talk to the nuns and to watch them at their devotions. They were kind women, strangely innocent as to what was happening in the world outside but with a lively curiosity to learn. They used to give me tea and ply me with questions. They were concerned about my own situation and told me that if I ever had difficulties I should come to them for shelter and protection.

Hedda Morrison, A Photographer in Old Peking, 1985, Oxford University Press. p.56

Photographer Hedda Morrison, (1908-1991), was born Hedda Hammer in Stuttgart, Germany. She acquired her first camera, a Box Brownie, at the age of 11. In 1931, after completing studies at the State Institute for Photography in Munich and working in the studio of photographer Adolf Lazi (1884-1955), she answered an advertisement in a photography journal for a job in Peking.

In Peking Morrison managed Hartung’s photographic studio from 1933-1938. After her contract expired she continued to work freelance from a small darkroom in her home in Nanchang Street. The young photographer travelled around the city, usually by bicycle, often photographing its inhabitants. This photograph is part of the Hedda Morrison Photographic Collection

Post by Kathy Hackett, Photo Librarian

Photography by Hedda Morrison
Powerhouse Museum Collection 92/1414-326
No known copyright restrictions.

Tags: Buddhism, China, musical instruments, nuns, Peking