
Through Shaded Glass: Women and photography in Aotearoa New Zealand 1860–1960
Shining the light on New Zealand’s women photographers.
Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
Open every day 10am-6pm
(except Christmas Day)
Free museum entry for New Zealanders and people living in New Zealand
Lissa Mitchell is Curator of historical photography at the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa. As well as their 2023 book Through Shaded Glass: Women and Photography in Aotearoa New Zealand 1860–1960 (Te Papa Press), they have contributed to several other books: An Alternative History of Photography (Prestel, 2022), New Zealand Art at Te Papa (Te Papa Press, 2018), Brian Brake: Lens on the World (Te Papa Press, 2010), and The Aotearoa Digital Arts Reader (Clouds, 2008). Lissa's next project with Te Papa Press, Slow Burn: Women and Photography from Te Papa's Collection will be published in 2026.
Photo by Yoan Jolly.
Shining the light on New Zealand’s women photographers.
A survey of Te Papa’s treasure trove of New Zealand art.
The complete life and work of Brian Brake, New Zealand’s best-known photographer, has at last been encapsulated in one stunning book.
Lissa Mitchell, the author of Through Shaded Glass: Women and photography in Aotearoa New Zealand 1860–1960, discusses her new book with Te Papa Press.
Lissa Mitchell, Curator Historical Photography uses her detective skills to uncover the full story behind a late-1880s photograph.