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In 2023, during a visit to London, Kate Tamakloe, the granddaughter of pioneering Ghanaian photographer J.K. Bruce-Vanderpuije, discovered one of his photographs displayed at the Victoria and Albert Museum—uncredited. Surprised by the unacknowledged presence of her grandfather’s work, she learned that the photograph had somehow found its way to the UK, its history lost along the way. “I asked how they got the photo and was told it was in the library,” she recalled. “We have the original (in our archives), but somehow a copy got taken to the UK, and its history got lost.”
This moment emphasized the challenges of properly preserving and attributing Bruce-Vanderpuije’s work. His expansive career spanned over seven decades, capturing life in both pre- and post-independence Ghana. His archive, which includes tens of thousands of photographs, offers a unique visual history of the country, documenting everything from changing fashions and cultural traditions to major political events and figures. His images provide a profound and comprehensive portrait of Ghana during its transition from a British colony to an independent nation.
J. K. Bruce Vanderpuije/Courtesy Deo Gratias Studio/Efie Gallery
Tamakloe, who manages the Deo Gratias Photo Studio in Accra, founded by her grandfather in 1922—has been dedicated to preserving Bruce-Vanderpuije’s legacy. For the past decade, she has worked on digitalizing his extensive archive, ensuring that his work is maintained for future generations. This responsibility came unexpectedly to Tamakloe, who had grown up around the studio. After an accident forced her to move her cybercafé business to the studio, she began assisting her father, Isaac Hudson Bruce-Vanderpuije, who had taken over the studio but was struggling with declining eyesight. With the help of an outside photographer, who described the studio’s archive as a “goldmine,” Tamakloe realized the significance of the photographs and took on the task of preserving and cataloging them.
J. K. Bruce Vanderpuije/Courtesy Deo Gratias Studio/Efie Gallery
Today, Tamakloe oversees an archive containing more than 50,000 photographs, many of which document important moments in Ghana’s political and social history. These photographs are not only of everyday life but also of political leaders, cultural events, and key milestones. Tamakloe’s work focuses on ensuring that her grandfather’s images are properly recognized and attributed, as she believes his contributions to documenting Ghana’s history are invaluable.
J. K. Bruce Vanderpuije/Courtesy Deo Gratias Studio/Efie Gallery
Bruce-Vanderpuije’s photography has left behind a unique record of Ghana’s historical journey. He was born in 1899 and, after receiving training from another renowned Ghanaian photographer, J.A.C. Holm, opened his own studio at just 23 years old. His photographs captured a wide range of subjects, from weddings and portraits to significant political moments. His studio attracted many prominent figures, including Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s first president, who was photographed during the country’s early post-independence years.
J. K. Bruce Vanderpuije/Courtesy Deo Gratias Studio/Efie Gallery
The significance of Bruce-Vanderpuije’s work goes beyond capturing simple portraits—his photographs provide a window into the transformation of a nation. He documented everyday life in Ghana, from traditional ceremonies to public celebrations, as well as pivotal events such as the 1948 Accra riots. The riots, triggered by the shooting of protesting ex-servicemen, would go on to spark important political changes and contribute to Ghana’s eventual independence in 1957. These moments, captured by Bruce-Vanderpuije, are not just historical records but visual testaments to the country’s resilience and determination for self-rule.
Tamakloe has made numerous discoveries as she works to preserve her grandfather’s archive. For instance, some of the people in his photographs have only been identified decades after the images were taken. One such discovery was the identity of Miss Ghana 1958, whose children later recognized her in Bruce-Vanderpuije’s photograph. Similarly, Seth Anthony, the first Black African commissioned as an officer in the British army, was identified by his grown children in one of Bruce-Vanderpuije’s images. These discoveries underscore the power of photography to reconnect people with their past and preserve important historical moments.
Tamakloe’s efforts are part of a broader conversation about the importance of preserving Africa’s visual archives. As photographer Aïda Muluneh has pointed out, “The magic of photography is that it brings us back to moments in time, offering a unique perspective not only of the past but also of who we are today.” The preservation and promotion of these visual archives are vital for understanding both the history of the African continent and its people. As Tamakloe continues her work of digitalizing and sharing Bruce-Vanderpuije’s images, she is helping to connect the world with Ghana’s rich history through her grandfather’s lens.
Deo Gratias Photo Studio, now regarded as the oldest operational photo studio in West Africa, remains a cornerstone of the Jamestown community. While the rise of smartphones and digital photography has changed the way people capture memories, the studio continues to be a place where Ghanaians come to document important events. Weddings, birthdays, and religious celebrations are still photographed at the studio, preserving a sense of tradition and continuity in an ever-changing world.
Through her efforts, Tamakloe is working to ensure that her grandfather’s work is not only preserved but shared with the world. She hopes to present an authentic and comprehensive story of Ghana through his photographs, helping to enrich the global understanding of the country’s past and its people.
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