The last photographic method for mirror and unique images was patented in 1856 by Hamilton L. Smith, a chemistry and physics professor at Kenyon College in Ohio. Originally known as “melainotype” or “ferrotype” these images are more commonly called tintypes. (more…)
6510 - Ambrotype: Richard Vaill, son of Reverend William F. Vaill. 1862-1936. Dr. Joseph Thoburn Collection
Research by photographers after 1851 led to the development of the Ambrotype in 1854. The Ambrotype used a colloidal emulsion which after processing held the image on glass. A layer of black paint was applied to the back of the glass plate to allow reflected light to display it as a positive image. Usually a brass cover mat and a protective glass plate were placed over the Ambrotype before being sandwiched together inside a protective case the same type and size as the daguerreotype.
The Ambrotype quickly became popular with photographers since the process was easier to prepare and cheaper than the daguerreotype. Production peaked between 1856 and 1857 due to the post production expense of the protective case and the fragility of the image.
23268.CP.A.2 Cherokee Indian Robert Wallace. c. 1858.
Many Ambrotypes are discarded when the black paint on the back side of the glass plate begins to flake. This problem is easily remedied by placing black mat beneath the Ambrotype, emulsion side up. The oval shaped damage in image #23268.CP.A.2 usually occurs when the brass cover mat slides across the emulsion surface on the glass image.
Few examples of Ambrotypes have been found dated after 1864.
The above information was originally gathered by Chester Cowen, Photographic Archivist, Oklahoma Historical Society, from the following references:
Felduebel, Thomas, THE AMBROTYPE OLD & NEW, Graphic Arts Research Center, Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, 1980, VIII, 51 pages.
Welling, William, PHOTOGRAPHY IN AMERICA: THE FORMATIVE YEARS 1839-1900, University of New Mexico Press, Albuquerque, NM, 1978, X!, (3), 431 pages.
by Rachel Mosman, Assistant Photo ArchivistWhen I first came to the Oklahoma Historical Society to manage the Barney Hillerman photographic collection, I knew very little about historic Oklahoma City. The collection is made up of an estimated 750,000 images, mostly triacetate negatives, but also 35 mm film, nitrate negatives and prints. Many of the images are related to business in the area between the 1920s and 1960s, and include images of buildings in downtown Oklahoma City. As I processed the collection, the images coalesced in my mind to create a popular and thriving city. But the skyline of the 1930s wasn’t the same skyline I was familiar with.
Learning about Urban Renewal was emotional, as it explained what happened to the historic city that I’d grown to love. Because the old city became so alive to me through these images, I felt it was important to create a project to share my experience with others. Using Sanborn fire maps, Polk directories, and other resources, I was able to create a visual orientation for the viewer. The bibliography identifies resources that are highly recommendable for those who want to learn more about Urban Renewal and historic Oklahoma City.
Now when I walk through downtown Oklahoma City, I see the city less for what’s missing, and instead as an (architectural? Structural?) palimpsest. I recognize the old city synthesized into the new, and appreciate the efforts that our people have put into preserving and enhancing downtown.
Thanks to Bob Blackburn, Linda Schwan, and Bill Welge for helping produce this project. I especially thank Jennifer Towry for designing and coordinating the online product. I hope that it will bring the city to life for you, as it’s done for us.
Click to visit the Hillerman Map Project.
The Hillerman Collection includes other subjects, including families, residences, sports, clubs and events, transportation, advertisements, oil, occupations, and many more. Please visit the Hillerman Collection page to learn more.
The USS Oklahoma Association Collection is now available for public use and research projects in the Research Center of the Oklahoma History Center. The collection consists of papers, records, publications and other ephemera spanning nine decades. (more…)
