1920 Vintage Portrait of a Distinguished Gentleman

In 1920, a photograph was captured by the Bain News Service depicting a man named Nicholson. This image is a glass negative, a photographic form that was widely used in the early 20th century for its clarity and ability to produce high-quality reproductions. Glass negatives like this one were often used by news services for the powerful imagery they could provide for print media, marking a significant advancement in photography of that era.

The glass negative measures approximately 5 x 7 inches, a standard size that facilitated both handling and processing. During this time, the Bain News Service was known for its comprehensive documentation of newsworthy events and figures, making its glass negative collection a valuable historical resource. This photograph not only serves as a visual record but also provides insight into the technological progress of photography and the role of media in capturing and disseminating information to the public. The methods and materials used for photography during this time reflect early techniques that paved the way for modern photographic practices.