Date of use : 1975 Ghana

The Early Legacy of the New York Institute of Photography

The New York Institute of Photography (NYIP) was founded in 1910 by French immigrant Emile Brunel. Initially, Brunel launched a retail operation aimed at teaching customers how to use the photographic equipment they purchased. However, this venture quickly evolved into an education-focused institution with a broader vision. In its early years, NYIP not only taught the fundamental techniques of photography but also offered advanced skills in photo engraving, retouching, and cinematography. Brunel published educational materials in book form to reach a wider audience, making NYIP's educational models popular among amateur and professional photographers alike. Officially registered as the New York Institute of Photography in 1914, the school quickly became one of America's most renowned photography education institutions. In 1920, Brunel left the school, passing its management to Samuel Fortune Falk and his brothers. Recognizing NYIP's potential, Falk began expanding the institution.

With branches established in Chicago and Brooklyn, NYIP became a nationwide educational center. Falk also ventured into publishing within the field of photography, disseminating NYIP's educational materials to an even broader audience. By the 1930s and 1940s, the school played a pivotal role in training newsreel cameramen, cementing its position as a leader in the industry. World War II marked a period of expansion for NYIP's curriculum, as it began offering courses in war correspondence and documentary photography. This era demonstrated that photography was not only an art form but also a powerful tool for documentation. In the post-war period, NYIP adapted its educational methods to meet the evolving needs of the time. By introducing a distance learning system that sent course materials via mail, the school achieved global reach. This innovative approach established NYIP as a key player not just in America but also on the international stage of photography education. Today, the institution continues its operations.

Examining the envelope of this letter reveals it to be an Aerogramme, a type of lightweight paper that folds into an envelope. Developed during World War II to reduce postal costs and minimize transport loads, the Aerogramme was especially used for international correspondence and intended for airmail delivery. The most notable feature of the Aerogramme is that it requires no additional envelope for mailing. Its lightweight design makes it more economical than standard mail. The sender would write their message on specially designed paper, fold and seal it, and send it via airmail. Aerogrammes often featured the labels "AIR MAIL" or "PAR AVION," and in some cases, postage stamps or preprinted marks indicating prepaid postage were included on the paper itself.

This item is documented as part of the Photography in Postal History research project.
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