Normandie. Rouen. Tour Bigot du Tour Jeanne d'Arc., photograph by Etienne Neurdein

In 1864, Etienne Neurdein took over the family business and developed it into one of the largest photographic studios in France. The studio specialised in portrait photography and became famous for its high quality images. Neurdein's work was widely exhibited and won numerous awards, including a gold medal at the 1889 World's Fair in Paris. He was also appointed official photographer to the French government. Etienne Neurdein died on 21 September 1918 in Paris, France. His legacy lives on through his extensive collection of photographs, which provide an insight into life in France in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.