Edison Electric Light Company Headquarters – Exterior View
Photograph
This historical photograph captures the exterior of the Edison Electric Light Company headquarters, a multi-story brownstone building adorned with elegant architectural details. The sign reading "The Edison Electric Light Company" is prominently displayed above the lower windows. The building features numerous windows with decorative awnings, reflecting the architectural style of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Two men in formal attire stand at the entrance, possibly engineers, executives, or employees of the company. The photographic print has a blue tone, suggesting it is a cyanotype print, a technique commonly used in architectural and engineering documentation during the late 19th century.
The Edison Electric Light Company, founded by Thomas Edison in 1878, was a pivotal enterprise in the development and commercialization of electric lighting. This building likely served as a hub for research, engineering, and business operations, supporting the advancement of incandescent lighting technology. Lewis H. Latimer, a key figure in Edison’s team, worked extensively on the improvement of carbon filaments and contributed patent drawings and technical expertise. The cyanotype format of the image suggests it may have been used for archival or technical documentation, possibly in company records or promotional materials.
Latimer Family Papers (1870-1996 ) [QPL Full Collection]
"The Edison Electric Light Company"