Birmingham Public Library Showcases Richard Cooper's "Birmingham in Focus: Capturing Commercial Scenes of the Mid-20th Century"

Birmingham, Ala.—The Birmingham Public Library (BPL) is proud to announce an upcoming photo exhibit entitled Birmingham in Focus: Capturing Commercial Scenes of the Mid-20th Century, featuring the work of Richard Cooper's Graphic Photo Service. The exhibit will be on display from Tuesday, September 3, to Saturday, October 15, 2024, on the third floor of the Central Library.

This unique collection provides a rare glimpse into Birmingham's commercial landscape during the mid-20th century, offering viewers a nostalgic journey through time. Richard Cooper, a prominent local photographer, meticulously documented the city’s bustling streets, thriving businesses, and industrial scenes during a transformative era for Birmingham.

Cooper began as a photographer at Tennessee Coal and Iron, working under the mentorship of Q.B. Schenk. In 1942, he entered the U.S. Army Signal Corp. and received film training in a unit headed by Frank Capra. Cooper went to New York and completed his training with the help of the photographic team at Life magazine.

After the War, Richard Cooper returned to Birmingham and returned to TCI until 1948. He formed Graphic Photo Service and became a popular commercial photographer for companies large and small all over Alabama. Some notable clients include U.S. Steel, Pizitz, Lovemans, etc.

The Birmingham Public Library Archives Department acquired this collection in 2010 from Richard Cooper’s son. It contains over 40,000 negatives of commercial images, portraits, candid photos, etc.

Vinegar syndrome, also known as acetate film base degradation, is a condition that occurs when cellulose acetate film deteriorates over time. The film releases acetic acid, which is a concentrated form of vinegar, and this can cause a chain reaction that leads to brittleness, deformation, bubbles, channeling, and the eponymous symptom of a vinegar-like odor. Once the degradation begins, it cannot be reversed and can make it impossible to print or scan the negative, which is why it is crucial to capture these images in their current state before degradation occurs or worsens.

Thank you to the Alabama Public Library Service and the Institute for Museum and Library Science for their financial assistance to begin to digitize these negatives and make this exhibit possible.

Exhibit Details:

• Title: Birmingham in Focus: Capturing Commercial Scenes of the Mid-20th Century by Richard Cooper 
• Dates: Monday, September 2–Saturday, October 15, 2024
• Location: Birmingham Public Library | 2100 Park Place, Birmingham, AL 3520
• East Building, Third Floor
• Details: This exhibit is free and open to the public during the Central Library's hours of operation. It is located near the Ficiton Department on the third floor of the Central Library. For more information about the exhibit or other upcoming events at the Birmingham Public Library, please visit the BPL's website and contact Catherine Oseas Champion at Catherine.Oseas@cobpl.org

By Catherine Oseas Champion | Head of Archives and Manuscripts Department, Central Library