Known as “magic lanterns”, glass lantern slides date back to the 17th century. The majority of these lantern slides were black and white positive images created with either dry gelatin process or wet collodion. The subject of this photo is known as the “”Floralia” or “Flowerfete,” an event that exhibits flowers, garden sculptures and vegetables. The photographer Frances Benjamin Johnston was a dedicated lecturer who was part of the Garden Beautiful movement in the 1900s. Photo slides like this reflect Johnston’s goal to establish an archive that documents America’s house and garden heritage and inspires the preservation of historic sites.

SKU: 63654
Creator: Frances Benjamin Johnston
Date: 1919 September 20
Original Medium: photograph : glass lantern slide, b&w
Original Size: 3.25 x 4 in.
Location: Private Collection