Join death historian Dr Helen Frisby in Bristol for a fascinating live talk on the dark history of Victorian spirit photography.

About The Event

Join us at West 70 Photography in Downend, Bristol for an exclusive, intimate evening talk exploring one of the most fascinating chapters in photographic history. Between 1860 and 1940, a craze for spirit photography swept the globe. In a distinctly Victorian technological twist upon much older ghost beliefs, deceased extras began mysteriously appearing in photographs alongside their living, grieving loved ones.

In this captivating talk, death and customs historian Dr Helen Frisby takes us on a journey through the strange world of spirit photography, examining how mortality, religion, folklore, art and technology collided in an era desperate for connection with the afterlife. On one level, this is a story of clever photographic tricks, fraud and profiteering. Yet on a deeper level, it highlights the profound human capacity for hope, ritual, and creativity in the face of loss.

Hosted right inside our photography studio with comfortable seating for each guest, the evening includes complimentary tea or coffee upon arrival, with additional drinks and snacks available to purchase. Content Note: This presentation includes historical examples of spirit and post-mortem photography from the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Schedule

7:00pm: Doors open, with complimentary tea or coffee on arrival (further drinks and snacks available to purchase)

7:30pm: Live presentation by Dr Helen Frisby (approx 45 mins)

8:15pm: Audience Q&A session (approx 15 mins)

8:30pm onwards: Book signing with Dr Helen Frisby and a chance to socialise

9:00pm: Event concludes

(Timings are approximate)

About The Speaker

Dr Helen Frisby is a Bristol-based historian, Honorary Secretary of The Folklore Society, a Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Bath and an Honorary Research Associate at the University of Bristol. An internationally recognised expert on the history and folklore of death, dying, funeral customs and burial grounds, Helen is a regular guest on television and radio, including the BBC and The History Channel, and is the author of the book “Traditions of Death and Burial”.

Important Information

Venue: West 70 Photography, 9 Cleeve Wood Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 2SF.

Timings: Doors open at 7:00pm for complimentary refreshments, with the talk starting promptly at 7:30pm (see “Schedule” above).

Parking & Travel: Free street parking is available outside the studio and in the surrounding area, and we are easily accessible via local bus routes / cycling / walking.

Tickets: Tickets are £10 per person. Seats are strictly limited to ensure a comfortable experience. Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Advance booking via Eventbrite is essential, and digital tickets on your phone are welcome (no need to print). Please note that all ticket sales are final and non-refundable. On the door sales are not guaranteed so please purchase your ticket in advance. EventBrite, who are handling the ticket sales, may have their own administrative charges etc.

Refreshments: Each ticket includes a complimentary tea or coffee upon arrival, with additional drinks and snacks available to purchase.

Access etc: The talk will take place within our photography studio, with allocated seats. A unisex toilet is available. Disabled access is available on request.

Payments: There is no obligation to buy anything more once you have purchased your ticket, but any additional purchases on the evening (food, drinks, books) are by card only please.

Description supplied by the event organiser.