Vivian Maier - 1926-2009 - photographer.

The photographer Vivian Maier was an original talent, who over a life time took many thousands of pictures, but didn't show them to anyone. Her outstanding ability was discovered after her death when the storage boxes were opened up. They are street reportage before the concept was ever thought of. Born in NY she spent most of her life as a nanny to rich families in Chicago. However she travelled very widely in many countries, always accompanied by her trusted camera. She never married, and in later life she became something of a recluse, and was often perceived as being rather eccentric. Now considered to be one of the most innovative and original early photographers. Her pictures capture the changes in America and other places at a time of turbulence. All this was beautifully presented by Alan Yentob on BBC One on Tuesday evening in - Imagine: Vivian Maier