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Academy Camera
Academy Camera
Image © Worcester Art Museum, all rights reserved.

Academy Camera

Manufacturer (British, founded mid-1830s)
Dateabout 1881
Mediumwood with metal and glass components
Dimensions5 × 2 5/8 × 5 1/2 in. (12.7 × 6.6 × 14 cm)
ClassificationsArtists' Materials
Credit LineMrs. Kingsmill Marrs Collection
Terms
Object number1925.613
DescriptionMagazine camera holding a dozen glass plates, used by Winslow Homer at Tynemouth England
Label TextThis “Academy” camera was unveiled at the annual exhibition of the Photographic Society of Great Britain, held in London from October 8 to November 12, 1881. The camera’s small size—its glass negatives were only 1 ¼ inches square—was its most important selling point. According to Marion & Co.’s promotional materials, this was the “most secret of Cameras,” perfectly suited for the tourist, artist, or detective. Homer’s purchase of this camera while in England indicates his familiarity with recent developments in photography.
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