Focusing on African Safaris: The Edith McChesney Ker Collection

Photography is traditionally a profession dominated by men, but one of SC&A’s photography collections is the life work of a fascinating woman, Edith McChesney Ker.  Originally from Virginia, Edith’s life took an unexpected turn while  on an African safari in 1958.  While in Kenya, she met and fell in love with her future husband, Donald Ker, owner of Ker & Downey Safaris.  Edith later moved to Kenya to be with Donald and became an avid photographer of wildlife and nature.  The East African Wildlife Society used more than 50 of her photographs for their Christmas cards and calendars.  Furthermore, some of her photographs have been used in educational books for children.

After Donald’s death in 1981, Edith traveled around the world, capturing her adventures through photography. Many of the photographs in the Edith Ker Collection document these adventures.   However, some of my favorite images come from early years in Africa.

Rhinoceros and bird in Amboseli, Kenya

Rhinoceros and bird in Amboseli, Kenya

Elephants in an unknown river

Elephants in an unknown river

Crocodile in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Crocodile in Murchison Falls National Park, Uganda

Zebra

Zebra in unknown location

Although Edith photographed all different types of animals, I especially like the photographs featuring lions.

Lion cub in Tanzania

Lion cub in Tanzania

Lion pride in Talek, Kenya

Lion pride in Talek, Kenya

Lion pride in unknown location

Lion pride in unknown location