From the Family of Frank A. Brownell
October 29, 2010
Last week while I was researching for my upcoming book at the George Eastman House in Rochester, NY. I had the great pleasure of sharing an evening with Frank Mehlenbacher. He is the grandson of Mr. Brownell, inventor.
A “little” known fact about Mr. Brownell…
Frank A. Brownell was possibly the most influential camera designer of all time and the namesake for the Kodak Brownie camera! Mr. Brownell was like a father to Mr. Mehlenbacher after his own father passed away when he was quite young. He and his mother moved back to Rochester from Florida to be closer to her father (Mr. Brownell) and the rest of her family.
Brownell is a remarkable man with a remarkable grandson who is very dedicated to preserving the legacy of his grandfather and the development of the camera (and photographic history in general).
Being a professional photographer/ artist and educator, I often think of the photographers when I think of the history of photography but after an evening with Mr. Mehlenbacher I realized the dormant excitement I had for the development of the technology that allows me to do what I do. I must say, the cameras and the original memorabilia I was able to see firsthand was amazing and inspiring.
Thank you Frank, and my awesome intern from last year Greg McDonald (Frank’s Great Nephew), for sharing!
xo
LaNola
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