The Matson Photo Service, established in the early 20th century by American photographer G. Eric Matson, played a significant role in documenting the cultural, religious, and everyday life of the Middle East, particularly in Palestine, during a period of profound historical and political change. Originally part of the American Colony in Jerusalem, Matson inherited and expanded the photographic legacy of the American Colony Photo Department, which had been established in the late 19th century. The service became renowned for its extensive archive of high-quality images that captured a wide range of subjects, including biblical landscapes, archaeological sites, and the diverse peoples and traditions of the region.
Matson and his team produced images for both educational and commercial purposes, creating postcards, albums, and lantern slides that were distributed internationally. Their photographs were widely admired for their technical excellence and artistic composition, often depicting iconic locations like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and the Dead Sea. With the upheaval of World War II, Matson eventually relocated to the United States, where he donated the extensive collection of the Matson Photo Service to the Library of Congress in 1946.
Today, the Matson collection serves as an invaluable historical resource, offering a detailed visual record of the Middle East during the early 20th century. It not only documents the physical and cultural landscape of the region but also reflects the colonial and religious contexts in which the photographs were created and consumed.
Matson Photo Service
Portraits
If you have a portrait of this photographer or know of the whereabouts of one we would be most grateful.
alan@luminous-lint.com
Genealogy of Matson Photo Service
If you are related to this photographer and interested in tracking down your extended family we can place a note here for you to help. It is free and you would be amazed who gets in touch.
