A Ghost in the Machine? Spirit Photography, c.1860-1930 Online and in-person talk

Could photography capture the dead? In the late Victorian period and after the First World War, spirit photography captivated the public by seemingly revealing ghostly figures alongside the living. For many grieving families, these images offered the hope that technology could provide a link to those who had passed away.In this fascinating talk, Dr Helen Frisby explores the rise and fall of spirit photography, examining both the frauds behind the phenomenon and the deeper human desires it reflected. Through stories of deception, belief, grief and remembrance, she reveals how people sought evidence of life beyond death and new ways to maintain connections with lost loved ones.Please note: this presentation includes examples of spirit and post-mortem photography.