A. Hugh Fisher

Alfred Hugh Fisher (8 February 1867 – 2 July 1945) was a British painter, etcher, photographer and writer.

He was selected by the Colonial Office Visual Instruction Committee to travel around the British Empire and produce illustrative material for their lecture series. He published a travelogue about his travels through Sri Lanka, India and Myanmar, subsequently working as an illustrator for The Illustrated London News. He also authored several books of poetry and works for children.

Biography

Alfred Hugh Fisher was born in Brixton, London, on February 8, 1867, the son of Alfred George Fisher and Isabella Read Smith Fisher. He was educated at the City of London School and University College, and subsequently obtained a role as a junior clerk for an advertising agency called George Street & Company in 1884. Fisher first exhibited his artwork in the Royal Academy exhibition of 1887, a watercolour called Still Waters, Surrey. After 9 years working in the City, Fisher pursued a career as an artist, studying at Lambeth School of Art and South Kensington School of Art before working under Laurens and Constant in Paris for six months. Fisher was elected to membership in the Royal Society of Painters and Etchers in 1898.

On 29 July 1907, Fisher was selected from 10 applicants to become the Colonial Office Visual Instruction Committee's (COVIC) Artist, tasked with creating the visual material required to illustrate the committee's planned lecture series. His appointment, initially for a period of up to three years, commenced from 1 September at a salary of £25 a month, plus traveling and subsistence allowance. Fisher worked under the direction of Halford Mackinder, who was paid £300 for his oversight of the project, and provided Fisher with detailed instructions on what was required. Mackinder asked Fisher to focus on the educational aspect of the images, rather than photographic aesthetic, in capturing the 'native characteristics of the country' and the committee also wanted to highlight what they considered to be the 'super-added characteristics’ of British rule. It was also suggested that he give a feeling of life and movement where possible by including people engaged in everyday activities. Without previous photographic experience, Fisher was provided with training at a fee of 5 guineas for 10 lessons.