Have a Very Old Family Photograph? It Could Be Vernacular Photography

Ambrotype

Have you heard of Vernacular Photography? According to Wikipediait refers to the creation of photographs by amateur or unknown photographers who take everyday life and common things as subjects.

Silhouette

Stair Galleries, exhibited and auctioned The Gerald Kornblau Collection of Vernacular Photographyon March 10 & 11, 2012, which was 163 lots of everyday photography, images of which create interest, regardless of their common subject matter.  Prior to the auction, they were displayed in an exhibit in similar frames together on a wall.

Old Family Photograph

Apparently there is somewhat of a demand for very old photographs at auction houses and antique shops. Many will consign or buyout antique family photographs, silhouettes, and also daguerreotypes, ambrotypes and tintypes. Garth’s in Ohio and Skinner in Massachusetts, both  auctioneers, and others including local antique shops, have carried these items.

Recently, our family has been going through family photos. We have discovered photos of relatives who are not identified. Perhaps we will consider selling some or decorating walls in our homes with them.