1920s Golf Icon and Spouse: A Timeless Portrait

This glass negative photograph captures Jim Barnes and his wife, likely taken between 1920 and 1925 by the Bain News Service. Jim Barnes was a notable figure in American golf, known for winning the 1921 U.S. Open and becoming a prominent personality in the sports early professional landscape. During this era, golf was booming in popularity, transitioning into a major sport, as figures like Barnes helped shape its professional format.

The photographs production using glass negative technology highlights early 20th-century photographic methods that paved the way for modern imagery. Glass negatives were known for their clarity and detail, making them a popular choice for professional studios of the time. This snapshot not only documents the couple but also serves as a historical artifact, illustrating both personal lives and the evolving practices in photography during this dynamic period.