Photographer Alice Austen, known for her iconic images captured in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, lived in Clear Comfort, a modest home on Staten Island. This unassuming residence, with its 11 cozy rooms and expansive lawns overlooking the New York Harbor, served as the backdrop for Austen’s most notable photographs. Saved from demolition by dedicated locals and cultural figures like Berenice Abbott and Joseph Papp, Clear Comfort is now the Alice Austen House, a museum that showcases her work. In 2017, it was designated as the first nationally recognized LGBTQ+ historical site, thanks in part to protests by groups like the Lesbian Avengers advocating for recognition of Austen’s relationship with Gertrude Tate.
Bonnie Yochelson’s recent biography, “Too Good to Get Married: The Life and Photographs of Miss Alice Austen,” sheds light on Austen’s life and artistry. While the book touches on Austen’s societal standing and the prevalent issues of her time, it primarily focuses on her photography. Austen’s images, often taken within the confines of Clear Comfort or against the bustling backdrop of New York Harbor, exude a sense of intimacy and playfulness. They also reflect her evolving skill and connection with her subjects.
Despite Austen’s talent and the commercial potential of her work, she chose not to monetize her photography. After meeting Gertrude Tate, her life partner, Austen’s focus shifted, and she gradually stopped producing new photographs. The financial hardships brought on by the 1929 stock market crash further complicated her situation, leading to her eventual impoverishment. Even as her work gained recognition posthumously, Austen’s later years were marked by financial struggles and neglect.
Austen’s story serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly women, in a society marked by inequality and discrimination. Her photographs, which offer a unique perspective on women’s relationships and daily life in the late 19th century, continue to resonate with audiences today. Yochelson’s biography, with its detailed exploration of Austen’s life and legacy, provides a deeper understanding of this pioneering photographer and her enduring impact on the art world.
“Too Good to Get Married: The Life and Photographs of Miss Alice Austen” is a compelling tribute to Austen’s remarkable journey and artistic contributions. Available through Fordham University Press and independent booksellers, this book offers a glimpse into the life of a trailblazing photographer whose work continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide.
