Kathleen Eva Houlahan came to Seattle in 1902 at the age of eighteen and graduated from the University of Washington in 1906. She pursued painting at the Art Students' League In New York City, returning to Seattle in 1923 after completing studies at the Sorbonne in Paris. Houlahan worked in oils and painted rugged outdoor scenes as well as portraits, still lifes, and industrial views.

This portrait of Houlahan is part of a collection from McBride and Anderson photographers. Born in 1863, Ella McBride began working in the photography field in 1909 when she managed the Edward Curtis Studio. She opened her own studio in 1917 with Wayne Albee. Albee moved to San Diego in 1925, and McBride continued to operate a studio in various Seattle locations. In 1932 she partnered with Richard Anderson; they continued to work together until she retired in 1954 due to her failing eyesight. She died in 1965 at the age of 102. Taken around the time of the McBride-Anderson partnership began; it is not known which partner was the photographer.

Handwritten on sleeve: Honlahan [sic] - Kathleen - Artist?
Photographer's Reference Number: 9347D