The material from Sam Hood's photographic studio was used by Sam Hood and other employees in the day to day running of the studio. The State Library of NSW acquired a collection of negatives from Sam's daughter Gladys Hood in 1973 comprising some 30,000 images. Sam Hood's story is well documented in a volume produced by that institution (Sydney Exposures, Through the eyes of Sam Hood & his studio 1925 - 1950) and there are several images from that collection of Sam Hood with cameras and accessories included in this acquisition - most importantly Sam's Folmer & Schwing manufactured Graflex which he used for close to forty years.

The material from Sam Hood's studio includes items that were used in the operation of the studio including cameras and accessories, studio lighting equipment, photographic printing equipment and accessories, studio stationary and studio signs that adorned the facade alerting passing traffic to the whereabouts and services offered by Sam's studio. This cross section of material from the studio may be used to illustrate the variety of tasks undertaken in the photographic studio.

Although the collection of photographic material includes landmark cameras the major significance of the material is revealed through an examination of the life and work of Sam Hood. What is most compelling is Sam's adaptability to the changing nature of commercial photography. Sam opened his first studio in 1899 and the main source of income was generated from the main application of photography in the day - portraiture and weddings. Sam also supplemented this with income generated from selling finished and framed images of sailing vessels to the crews of vessels as they arrived in Sydney harbour (see above volume for details regarding how this was achieved).

At the beginning of Sam's career photography in newspapers was a novelty and although the technology to reproduce half tone illustrations was in use by 1880 the Australian papers and in particular wood engravers whose job it was to illustrate articles resisted the new process. The Sydney Morning Herald did not reproduce a photograph until 1908. Sam Hood is acknowledged as a trailblazer in this genre - becoming adept at capturing the sensational, trivial and in particular sporting moments with his camera. Sam Hood's studio also became involved in commercial photography for magazines and journals.

The material that comprises this part of the Sam Hood acquisition is designed for use in a photographic studio in the reproduction, enlargement, touching up and printing of photographic images from negatives.

The material that comprises this part of the Sam Hood acquisition was manufactured by various North American, English, European and Australian manufacturers.

The material that comprises this part of the Sam Hood acquisition was used in the Studios to develop and reproduce images.
The material that comprises this acquisition was purchased by Sam Hood and remained in the possession of his studio until his death in 1953. The material remained in the possession of the Hood family, specifically Gladys Hood until Jeanette Francis offered it to the museum in September 1992. Jeanette is the daughter of Gladys Hood.

Photographic studio printing equipment and accessories (16), timber /metal /glass, used by Sam Hood, made by Barton / Kodak, USA / Australia, 1920 - 1953

Consists of Barton photo-enlarger, Century No.4 camera stand, Kodak Service printer, retouching lamp, backing press, cutting board, glass plate stand, tube Imperial N.P.G., 4 printing frames, 2 enamel processing trays,dark room light and a sponge.

Made: 1920 - 1953

2002/119/2

1920 - 1953