The New York Public Library

Research Catalog

Alberta Hunter photograph collection

Title
Alberta Hunter photograph collection [graphic].
Author
Hunter, Alberta.
Publication
1900-1984.

Available Online

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Details

Additional Authors
Found In
p1bc Hunter, Alberta, Papers (CstRLIN)NYPW90000012-A.
Description
  • 1002 items (1.9 lin. ft., 7 boxes); 51 x 51 cm. and smaller.
  • 812 photographic prints : silver gelatin, b&w ;
  • 182 photographic prints : col. ;
  • 7 photographic prints : albumen ;
  • 1 negative : b&w ;
Subjects
Genre/Form
  • Group portraits – 1920-1979.
  • Publicity photographs – 1920-1979.
  • Portrait photographs – 1900-1979.
  • Snapshots – 1920-1979
  • Photographic prints – b&w and col. – 1900-1979.
  • Contact sheets – 1930-1979.
  • Albumen prints – 1900-1919.
  • Photomechanical prints – 1920-1979.
  • Silver gelatin prints – 1930-1979.
Note
  • Title devised by cataloger.
  • Additional collection photographs are in Hunter's personal scrapbooks, which are located in the Manuscripts, Archives, and Rare Books Division.
  • Collection contains work by James C. Campbell, Terry Hourigan, and others.
Biography (note)
  • Alberta Hunter was a blues singer and recording artist who performed on an international scale and participated in several United Service Organizations (U.S.O.) tours. Her early career included acting and singing in theatrical productions in Europe and on Broadway. Alberta had a career as a recording artist and a practical nurse (1954-1977). In 1977, Alberta resumed her singing career, and continued to perform until her death in 1984.
Linking Entry (note)
  • Froms part of the Alberta Hunter Papers, 1919-1986.
Call Number
Sc Photo Alberta Hunter Collection
Author
Hunter, Alberta.
Title
Alberta Hunter photograph collection [graphic].
Imprint
1900-1984.
Summary
The Alberta Hunter photograph collection documents her personal life and professional career. Personal photographs consist of portraits and snapshots of Alberta, family, friends and acquaintances. Documentation of Alberta's private include photographs of her travels to Greece and Jerusalem during her later years (1970s). Photographs of friends include a box of portraits and publicity shots of well known entertainers, many of which are inscribed to Alberta. Snapshots of Alberta and friends document her 83rd birthday celebration, a birthday celebration for Lena Horne, and other activities. A number of snapshots include Marian Anderson, Lottie Tyler, and John Payne and other African-Americans residing in Europe in the 1920s.
Singing career photographs document Alberta in "Show Boat" with Paul Robeson, Edith Day, and others at the Theatre Royale, Drury Lane. Images also capture Alberta during a NBC radio broadcast (1937). U.S.O. tours include Europe, China, Egypt, Guam, Hawaii, India, Japan, Korea, Mynamar (Burma), and Turkey. U.S.O. works capture Alberta involved in daily camp activities with U.S.O. troops, camp shows, and Alberta during a number of performances. U.S.O. photographs document historic sites in the various regions where Alberta was stationed. Included also are images of Alberta at the "Cookry" in Greenwhich Village, New York.
Alberta's recording career is documented by photographs taken during a recording session for the film "Remember My Name" produced by Robert Altman. Other images capture Alberta during rehearsals and a television performance. Later singing career photographs include a performances in the United States and abroad, as well as a number of special events. Notably among these are a "Salute to Black Broadway," and the "Kennedy Center Awards," (1978).
Nursing career photographs include graduation class portraits and several photographs of Alberta at Goldwater Memorial Hospital, Roosevelt Island (N.Y.C.), where she worked as a practical nurse. There is an overlap between personal and singing career photographs, as a number of Alberta's professional acquaintances became personal friends.
Linking Entry
Froms part of the Alberta Hunter Papers, 1919-1986.
Biography
Alberta Hunter was a blues singer and recording artist who performed on an international scale and participated in several United Service Organizations (U.S.O.) tours. Her early career included acting and singing in theatrical productions in Europe and on Broadway. Alberta had a career as a recording artist and a practical nurse (1954-1977). In 1977, Alberta resumed her singing career, and continued to perform until her death in 1984.
Local Note
SC MG 329
Connect to:
Added Author
Campbell, James C. Photographer
Hourigan, Terry. Photographer
Golden, H. Photographer
M. Smith (New York, N.Y.)
Found In:
p1bc Hunter, Alberta, Papers (CstRLIN)NYPW90000012-A.
Research Call Number
Sc Photo Alberta Hunter Collection
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