John I. Crabtree papers

Collection

Identifier: D.83

Staff Only

Biographical / Historical note

John Ickeringill Crabtree was an Eastman Kodak Company researcher originally from England. He graduated from Victoria University and joined Kodak Research Laboratories in 1913, where his main interests lay in developing improved methods and equipment for photographic processing. He became a naturalized American citizen in 1924.

Crabtree worked extensively on motion picture film from 1916 to 1938. The experience culminated in a book that reflected his interest in post-production. It contained actual film samples and explained how to tone and tint positive motion picture film. He was a member of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers and winner of their Gold Progress Medal in 1952.

By the time of his retirement in 1957, Crabtree was the holder of 35 US patents and had authored or co-authored over 160 papers on the subject of photography. He received the Photographic Society of America's highest honor, the Progress Medal, in 1956. As late as 1989, Kodak was still selling proprietary packaged chemicals based on formulas developed under Crabtree's supervision.

Scope and Contents

The John Crabtree Papers consists primarily of undated photographs, most of which appear to be from the 1920's.

Creator

Crabtree, J. I. (John Ickeringill), 1891-1979 (Person)

Dates

Creation: circa 1890's-1969

Language of Materials

English

Extent

5 box(es)

Access

The John I. Crabtree Papers are open for research use. Researchers are advised to contact the Rare Books Special Collections & Preservation Department prior to visiting. Upon arrival, researchers will also be asked to fill out a registration form and provide photo identification.

Use

In consultation with a curator, reproductions may be made upon request. Permission to publish materials from the John I. Crabtree collection must be requested from a curator. Researchers are responsible for determining any copyright questions.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

The John I. Crabtree Papers were donated in February 1991 by the Estate of Ruth Crabtree.

Preferred Citation

[Item title, item date], John I. Crabtree Papers, D.83, Rare Books, Special Collections, and Preservation, River Campus Libraries, University of Rochester