Pioneering Photographers: How Ida hammar adn a Network of Women Forged a New Profession
SKARA, SWEDEN – In an era when professional opportunities for women were limited, Ida Hammar of Vartofta carved a path for herself – and countless others – by establishing a thriving photography business across Skaraborg County in the early 20th century. Hammar’s success wasn’t just about capturing images; it was about building a network of all-female studios, effectively creating a new and autonomous profession for women at a time of meaningful societal change.
Hammar first launched her photography career in Österplana, at Kinnekulle, before expanding too open studios in Skara, axvall, and Nossebro. Notably,her business model centered around female ownership and staffing,offering a rare degree of economic autonomy for women during this period. This ripple effect extended beyond her immediate employees; one of her assistants, Vivan Norberg from Nora, later established her own prosperous studio in Örebro and surrounding areas, demonstrating the lasting impact of Hammar’s mentorship and the burgeoning opportunities she helped create.
The rise of these “Mamseller” - a term referencing unmarried women – in the photographic field challenged conventional norms. Records from the Photographer Register,the Swedish Women’s biographical Lexicon,and Digital Museum confirm Hammar’s pioneering role and the subsequent spread of women-owned and operated studios throughout the region.This network provided not only a livelihood but also a space for women to exercise their creativity and entrepreneurial skills, contributing to a broader shift in gender roles and professional landscapes.
Hammar’s story, and those of women like Vivan Norberg, offer a compelling glimpse into a little-known chapter of Swedish history, highlighting the resourcefulness and determination of women who actively shaped their own destinies and paved the way for future generations of female professionals.
