John A. Tennant papers

Collection

Identifier: MS0046

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

This collection contains little information on the operation of The Photo-Miniature, but there are related, though incomplete, sketches of some of his colleagues in the publishing business. Also briefly documented in the collection are Tennant's travels and his relationships with some of his friends and acquaintances. The bulk of the collection is personal papers and related ephemera.

Dates

Creation: 1896 - 1962
Creation: 1900 - 1962

Creator

Tennant, John A. (Person)

Language of Materials

English.

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Conditions Governing Use

Some material may be copyrighted or restricted. It is the patron's obligation to determine and satisfy copyright or other case restrictions when publishing or otherwise distributing materials found in the collections.

Biographical / Historical

John A. Tennant published one of the first magazines devoted exclusively to photography, The Photo-Miniature. Each issue consisted of a long article on a single subject with supplementary notes, short book reviews, and numerous advertisements. The Photo-Miniature, published monthly from 1899 to 1935, focused primarily on technical aspects of photography but occasionally featured articles on historical subjects and photography as art. Little biographical information is available on Tennant. The material apparently passed through the hands of Tennant's daughter Clare Tennant Crane and her niece (?) Mrs. Horace P. Reeves, who donated it to this library. Whereas biographical information is not provided in the collection, the material does hint at some aspects of his life and work. His family was presumably from Darlington, England. As an adolescent, Tennant became fascinated by the Franciscans and soon became a devout Roman Catholic. His devotion is documented throughout the collection. Tennant was married to Elizabeth Letitia. After moving to New York City, he began publishing The Photo-Miniature in 1899 under the auspices of Tennant and Ward.

Extent

0.5 Linear Feet

Additional Description

Abstract

Papers of the editor and publisher of The Photo-Miniature (1899-1935), an early photography magazine. Contains advertisements, correspondence, Tennant's reminiscences on the development of photography during his lifetime, programs of cultural events in New York City (1905-55), and other ephemera, primarily reflecting Tennant's interests in music, travel, and Roman Catholicism.

Arrangement

The John A. Tennant Papers are divided into four series: The Photo-Miniature (1899-1935); Correspondence (1896-1935); Notes (1913-1956); Ephemera (1900-1962).

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Gift of Dr. and Mrs. Horace P. Reeves.

Related Materials

Rare Book Collection: The Photo-Miniature [These volumes were Tennant's personal copies and contain notes by Tennant, including names of authors of the articles.]