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Addison N. Scurlock

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Addison (Norton) N. Scurlock
Born(1883-06-19)June 19, 1883
Fayetteville, North Carolina, US
DiedDecember 16, 1964(1964-12-16) (aged 81)
Washington, DC, US
Occupation(s)Photographer, businessman
Notable workPhotographing Black Washington

Addison N. Scurlock (June 19, 1883 – December 16, 1964)[1] was an American photographer, founder of The Scurlock Studio, and businessman who became prominent in the early and mid-20th century for photographing Black Washington.

Early life

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Addison Norton Scurlock was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, on June 19, 1883.[2] Businessman and Republican politician George C. Scurlock was his father. He had two siblings, including the biochemist Herbert Clay Scurlock. In 1900 after finishing high school, he moved to Washington, D.C., with his family. Scurlock began an apprenticeship with white photographer Moses P. Rice in order to pursue photography. He apprenticed from 1901 to 1904 before establishing himself as a photographer.[2]

Scurlock Studio

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The first Scurlock Studio opened in 1904 on S Street in Northwest D.C., which was his parents' home. In 1906, the family and studio moved to Florida Avenue. Two years later, they moved to 1202 T Street NW. In 1911, Addison opened a studio at 900 U Street NW. There he erected a display case, which was a popular attraction at the heart of Black Washington on Black Broadway.[2] Many of his works are collected in the Smithsonian Online Virtual Archives.[3] In the National Museum of American History Archives Center, the Scurlock Studio Records contain hundreds of photos taken by the Scurlock family that depict various social events and studio portraits. The collection includes black and white photographs, framed prints, color negatives, and business records. This collection can be used to see the various techniques that Addison Scurlock and his sons used to become revered in the African American community.

Addison Scurlock's sons, George H. and Robert S. Scurlock, joined the business in the 1930s. Trained in high school by their father, the Scurlock sons adopted the signature "Scurlock Look" to photograph hundreds of subjects in a variety of locations. George and Robert were also featured in black newspapers and magazines due to their focus on news photography. Beyond capturing moments in Washington D.C, the sons started the Capitol School of Photography in 1948 to teach World War II veterans that were interested in photography.[4] The style of their photos were heavily praised for showing respect and dignity to their African American subjects. These features helped to combat the negative stereotypes that were present during this time period. The Scurlock Studio family business was operated by Robert until his death in 1994.[5]

New Negro

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A portrait of Madam C. J. Walker
Madam C. J. Walker (1916), National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C.

The work of Addison N. Scurlock and the Scurlock Studio was affiliated with ideas about pride and progress of the New Negro. The location of the studio in Scurlock's home community and its location in Washington, D.C., facilitated this. The Black elite in Washington and everyday African Americans were aware of the power of both photography and capturing their image in positive ways.[2] Scurlock, not only shot portraits, but also events such as church picnics, meetings, and high school graduations.[6] The following is a brief list of the Scurlock Studio's notable subjects.[7]

References

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  1. ^ Tolson, Claudette, "Scurlock, Addison (1883-1964)", BlackPast.org.
  2. ^ a b c d The Scurlock Studio and Black Washington: picturing the promise. National Museum of African American History and Culture. 2009-01-01. ISBN 9781588342621. OCLC 758919980.
  3. ^ "Scurlock Studio Records | Collection: NMAH.AC.0618". sova.si.edu. Retrieved 2024-12-02.
  4. ^ "Reflections in Black: a history of Black photographers, 1840 to the present". Choice Reviews Online. 38 (05): 38–2564-38-2564. 2001-01-01. doi:10.5860/choice.38-2564. ISSN 0009-4978.
  5. ^ Willis, Deborah; Jane, Lusaka (1996-01-01). Visual Journal : Harlem and D.C. in the thirties and forties. Smithsonian Institution Press. ISBN 1560986913. OCLC 33971305.
  6. ^ George, Sullivan (1996). Black Artists in Photography, 1840-1940. Cobblehill. ISBN 0525652086. OCLC 660062293.
  7. ^ "NMAH | Archives Center | Portraits of a City: The Scurlock Photographic Studio". amhistory.si.edu. Retrieved 2017-02-20.
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