Edward Carlton (1829-1907)
Born in England, Carlton migrated to the United States in 1854 and became a renowned portrait photographer.
Edward Carlton was born in 1829 in the bustling city of London. As the descendant of an influential trading family, his father was a prominent trader who had connections with major trading hubs in the East. Carlton's ancestral home was a grand estate in the English countryside, where a young Edward would spend much of his early years exploring the vast gardens and woodlands.
Although Edward began his schooling at the prestigious Westwick College in the heart of London, he was most drawn to the rolling hills and forests during his summer breaks at his ancestral home. After his initial years of formal education, Edward took up an apprenticeship in the merchant business, more out of familial obligation than genuine interest.
In 1854, seeking a fresh start and driven by the allure of the New World, Edward and his wife, Clara Watson, made the voyage across the Atlantic to settle in New York City. It was here in the growing metropolis that Carlton stumbled upon the world of photography, an art form still in its infancy.
By 1856, under the tutelage of American photographer James Brady, Edward had become engrossed in the art of portrait photography. Their association led to an enduring friendship, and the two embarked on a project capturing the essence of New York's elite society. Their works exhibited a stark contrast: while Brady's portraits were classical and refined, Carlton's had an air of candidness, capturing raw emotion.
In the following decade, Carlton opened his photography studio in Manhattan, specializing in portrait photography. His innate ability to communicate with his subjects, coupled with a natural talent for capturing emotion, made him a sought-after photographer among the city's high society.
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Edward believed in capturing the essence of a person rather than just their likeness. This approach, novel for its time, often saw subjects engaged in their favorite pastime or lost in thought. Such was the demand for his unique style that Carlton's studio often had waiting lists months in advance.
As the years went by, Carlton ventured into photographing notable American landscapes, from the serene lakes of the Adirondacks to the bustling streets of Chicago. Yet, his primary love remained portrait photography.
He regularly showcased his work both domestically and internationally, earning accolades in Paris, London, Berlin, and Rome. A crowning achievement came in 1881 when Carlton was awarded the gold medal at the World Photography Exhibition in Vienna for his innovative approach to portraiture.
Throughout the late 19th century, Edward journeyed across the United States, capturing portraits of prominent figures, from politicians to artists. His work often graced the covers of popular magazines of the day, solidifying his position as one of America's premier photographers.
Despite his growing fame, Edward always returned to New York, the city that had given him a fresh start and introduced him to his lifelong passion. He became an active member of the city's arts community, mentoring aspiring photographers and advocating for the recognition of photography as a true art form.
In 1898, as age began to take its toll, Carlton sold his Manhattan studio and retired to a peaceful residence in upstate New York. Here, surrounded by the natural beauty he so loved, Edward spent his final years reflecting on his life's work.
Upon his passing in 1907, Edward Carlton's extensive collection was bequeathed to the American Museum of Photographic Arts in New York. Today, his groundbreaking work continues to inspire photographers around the world, ensuring his legacy as one of the true pioneers of portrait photography.
