47 stereographs (photoprints) : albumen, b&w; 89 x 178 mm. or smaller.
Summary
Most are views of the Civil War campaigns, including Gettysburg, Fair Oaks, Antietam, Manassas, Richmond, Va. Various towns, cities including Culpepper, Va., Warrenton Springs, Va., Richmond, Va. Rivers shown include the James, North Anna, Pamunky and Potomac; fortifications at Yorktown and Gloucester, Va., a picnic party at Antietam, Va; Confederate gunboat "Teazer". Others scenes show camps, hospitals, dwellings, ruins and casualties.
Alexander Gardner operated Gardner's Gallery. Some views made by Gardner, others by: George N. Barnard, William F. Browne, James Gardner, James F. Gibson, Timothy H. O'Sullivan. Most views distributed by E. & H.T. Anthony, listed as wholesale agents. Some views published by Philp & Solomons, Washington; two views carry printed label "Brady's album gallery" on verso.
Title from printed paper label mounted verso.
Some views have manuscript inscriptions.
Some views have tax stamps affixed verso.
Includes one view that is part of a panoramic series.
Alexander Gardner, born in Scotland, 1821, died in United States, 1882. Emigrated to U.S. in 1856, engaged by Mathew Brady as manager of his Wshington, D.C. studio in 1858. In 1862 he leaves the Brady studio to open his own portrait studio in Washington. Appointed as photographer to the Ordinance Dept of the Army of the Potomac in 1863 with his brother, James as an assistant. Broke with Brady over Brady's insistence on putting his name on all photos supplied to newspapers. Photographers joining Gardner at this time include Timothy H. O'Sullivan, George N. Barnard, James F. Gibson.
Author
Gardner, Alexander, 1821-1882, photographer.
Restricted access
Restricted access; Photography Collection; Permit must be requested at division indicated.