On my way home today I took time to take a picture of the Ernest Brown Block which was built in 1912. This was headquarters for Brown's photgraphic studio, office, workshop and retail store.
The west half of the building had been previously built when Ernest Brown bought it. He then added the identical east side to it in 1912.He leased out the main floor to retail merchants while using the secon floor for his marble and oak studios.In the basement he developed and enlarged his photos as well he ran a framing shop. The third floor was used as apatments to lease out.
Ernest Brown came to Edmonton in 1902 and found work as an assistant to another photographer. Brown went on to become one of the primary photographers in Edmonton recording much of its early history in pictures.
Before he passed away in 1951 his collection of over 150,000 negatives was purchased by the province and today is in the Provincial Archives here in Edmonton.
Currently this building is empty but will soon have new tenants I am sure.
what a coup! mr. brown's building itself. and the sepia just adds to the nostalgic feel of this old building. in fact it's perfect for that mood. well done, brian.
This is a great photo, Brian! I love the sepia tones . . it looks very vintage. You did it justice . . he was really a great contributor to the city with his talent and passion for photos. Great info.
@eudora Thanks Diane. I was near this building the other day when I took the shot of the hotel a few days ago. I was thinking about this shot since then so i decided I had to go back to take it
Really nice how you captured the vintageness of the building and loved the story of it's history. It adds so much to the photo to know what happened there.
@sparkle The size of this one has always amazed me too. I suppose it is time I introduced myself properly. My name is Brian and of course my wife is Melody.Thanks for all your comments
