March 28, 2024

Tyna Woods

Technology does the job

Today is the 115th anniversary of the 1906 earthquake that eternally transformed San Francisco

The San Francisco earthquake of 1906, and subsequent hearth, devastated the city 115 a long time ago right now.

These shade pictures of the hurt were being taken just months just after the earthquake and fire, previously than earlier considered. The photographs provide a odd vibrancy and accessibility to a city in ruins like hardly ever ahead of.

Taken by photo pioneer Frederick Ives, the pictures ended up very first unearthed by the Smithsonian in 2011. They’re component of a established of 6 taken just just after the earthquake and show the ruins together Market Avenue and scenes from the roof of the Hotel Majestic, on Sutter Avenue at Gough.

Colorist Stuart Humphryes a short while ago shared the visuals on Twitter.

SFGATE spoke to Stuart about the photographs, and what makes them so compelling.


“These jaw-dropping visuals of San Francisco in 1906 are notably amazing and have a modern immediacy which transcends the centuries. Frederick Ives was significantly forward of his time, but his Krömgram approach was doomed to industrial failure because it was elaborate and high-priced — a deadly blend in the market then, just as it is currently.” Humphryes reported.

Ives’ patented Krömgram process was forward of its time, incorporating 3D viewing and coloration, but would be eclipsed by the Lumiere brothers’ autochrome process in 1907.

“But seem at the legacy of his operate: These photographs could have been taken in the 1970s and actually allow the viewer to emotionally engage and experience what it was like to wander all those streets amidst the devastation. Truly amazing and persuasive do the job!” Humphryes mentioned.

Alongside with the destroyed Flood Developing, which nonetheless stands these days, and outdated Contact newspaper making on Sector Road, a near appear at some of the billboards in the imagery displays 1 for chewing tobacco and a further marketing women’s footwear on sale for 25 cents.

The photos that Ives made ended up supposed to be considered in 3-D by a stereoscopic viewing product. “Can you visualize how stunning these were being?” Shannon Perich of the Smithsonian’s photography history selection claimed at the time they were being uncovered.

Acquire a glance at the slideshow over to see Ives’ amazing shots.