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Sub Series 1: Glass Negatives

 Sub-Series

Scope and Content

From the Collection:

This collection contains photographic negatives collected by E.D. Meyers and includes work by Cheyenne photographer Joseph Shimitz and rodeo photographer Ralph R. Doubleday.

The complete studio negative collection from the Shimitz Studio of Cheyenne, circa 1909-1929. The studio specialized in studio portraiture, but also photographed local businesses, houses, and events. Shimitz' studio work demonstrates a high degree of technical knowledge both in how he posed his subjects and the physical retouching of the negatives. Because the majority of his studio work was done on split negatives (two exposures per negative), the collection is filled with examples of before and after images showing his ability to erase or soften wrinkles, freckles, undereye bags, stray hairs, blotchy skin, and other physical imperfections to achieve results modern viewers associate with digital image manipulation (Photoshoping). Other examples show his work in adding or removing individuals or parts of an image through selective masking, overpainting, pasting, and copywork.

Within the collection, there are also a good number of images of rodeo events, contestants and performers, photographed by R.R. Doubleday across the United States and Canada. While most of the negatives appear to be original, several are copies of other negatives.

Several images of Cheyenne and Denver locations, football games, and mountain scenes are signed by "C.W. Titus Cheyenne."

Dates

  • circa 1909-1930s

Language of Materials

From the Collection:

English

Access Restrictions

The collection is open for research.

Extent

From the Collection: 150 cubic feet (132 cubic feet glass plate negatives, 6 cubic feet nitrate negatives, 12 cubic feet prints)

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Wyoming State Archives, Wyoming Cultural Resources Division, Wyoming Department of State Parks & Cultural Resources Repository

Contact:
Barrett Building
2301 Central Avenue
Cheyenne Wyoming 82002 United States
(307) 777-7826