Collection Guide
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General Photograph Collection
MSS.PHOTO.0100
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
Department of Special Collections and University Archives
Title: General Photograph Collection
Creator:
Harris & Ewing
source:
Barnes, Mary Sheldon, 1850-1898
source:
Brasch, Frederick E. (Frederick Edward), 1875-1967
source:
Newcome, Martha Ewing, 1870-1959
source:
Weston, Otheto, 1895-1990
Creator:
Taber, I. W. (Isaiah West), 1830-1912
Creator:
Gillett, Lucretia, 1820-1894
Identifier/Call Number: MSS.PHOTO.0100
Identifier/Call Number: 3981
Physical Description:
17 Linear Feet
(35 boxes)
Date (inclusive): circa 1860-1983
Date (bulk): 1890-1940
Abstract: Miscellaneous collection from various sources spanning more than a century of photography.
Open for research. Note that material must be requested at least 36 hours in advance of intended use.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Various sources, noted when known.
[identification of item], General Photograph Collection (MSS PHOTO 0100). Dept. of Special Collections and University Archives,
Stanford Libraries, Stanford, Calif.
This artificial collection consists primarily of portraits, snapshots, and group photographs featuring notable figures, including
politicians, military leaders, heads of state, journalists, authors, poets, scientists (especially professors of physics,
astronomy, and mathematics), explorers, pioneers, labor leaders, musicians, and artists. Some names do not appear on the print
and were taken from an external source. Others remain unidentified.
This collection was assembled over the life of Stanford's Special Collections and is derived from multiple accessions and
donors. Several sub-collections are present here. The first series is devoted to portraiture, and includes many from the famous
studio Harris & Ewing; these are frequently inscribed to the firm's Martha Ewing, implying that she may have donated them
herself. Another significant source of photographs is Stanford faculty, including Frederick Edward Brasch, Melville Best Anderson,
Edith R. Mirrielees, and Mary Sheldon Barnes. Some photographs and negatives were removed from their original archival papers.
For example, throughout the collection there are several images from Columbia and the main gold mining region of California's
Tuolumne County; these are likely separated from the Otheto Weston Gold Country Collection, ca. 1849-1944 (M0029): https://searchworks.stanford.edu/view/4082747.
All of these sources are noted when known.
The majority of photographs in the main portrait series are signed (i.e. autographed) or inscribed (a note to someone in particular).
Some have stamps and other notes contemporary to the print and later, including old Stanford call numbers. These are not always
noted or transcribed. The photographer or studio and its geographic location has been captured when present. Most prints are
believed to be original, but there a few older copy prints. While most are typical early 20th century prints in various mounts,
there are also many older cartes-de-visite and cabinet cards, and one Polaroid circa 1980-1983.
While Special Collections is the owner of the physical and digital items, permission to examine collection materials is not
an authorization to publish. These materials are made available for use in research, teaching, and private study. Any transmission
or reproduction beyond that allowed by fair use requires permission from the owners of rights, heir(s) or assigns.
Most material is believed to be in the public domain. There are no restrictions on use of public domain materials.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
Portrait photography
Carte des visite photographs
Cabinet photographs
California -- History
Barnes, Mary Sheldon, 1850-1898
Brasch, Frederick E. (Frederick Edward), 1875-1967
Newcome, Martha Ewing, 1870-1959
Weston, Otheto, 1895-1990
Bohemian Club (San Francisco, Calif.)