Birth of Photography
Mammoth Camera
Date of important event or invention: The Mammoth Camera was invented in the Spring of 1900.
Description of the event or invention: The Mammoth Camera was designed by George R. Lawrence and manufactured by the J.A. Anderson Company. The camera was taken to the Chicago & Alton Railway Station where it was transferred to a flat car and moved to Brighton Park. It was the largest camera ever designed weighing 900 lbs.
Importance of the event or invention: The Alton Limited was a luxury passenger train created by the Chicago & Alton Railway and the company commissioned Lawrence to make the largest photograph possible of it. George R Lawrence made a successful photograph of the train and also made photographic history.
3 interesting facts:
Description of the event or invention: The Mammoth Camera was designed by George R. Lawrence and manufactured by the J.A. Anderson Company. The camera was taken to the Chicago & Alton Railway Station where it was transferred to a flat car and moved to Brighton Park. It was the largest camera ever designed weighing 900 lbs.
Importance of the event or invention: The Alton Limited was a luxury passenger train created by the Chicago & Alton Railway and the company commissioned Lawrence to make the largest photograph possible of it. George R Lawrence made a successful photograph of the train and also made photographic history.
3 interesting facts:
- A reported $5000 was spent to construct the camera.
- The camera took about six men to manipulate the bellows and focus the lens and four men to get the photographic plate in its holder onto the back of the camera.
- George R. Lawrence was awarded the Grand Prize of the World for Photographic Excellence with the picture captured on the Mammoth Camera.