Early Life and Career
Eadweard J. Muybridge, a British photographer, was born on April 9, 1830, in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England. His original name was Edward James Muggeridge, which he later changed to
Eadweard J. Muybridge. Muybridge's early life was marked by his family's business in grain and coal merchant. After his father's death in 1843, his mother continued the business.
Photographic Career
Muybridge's photographic career began in 1867 in California, where he learned the wet-plate collodion process and secured two British patents for his inventions. His large photographs of Yosemite Valley made him world-famous in 1868. Muybridge's work on animal locomotion in 1877 and 1878, using multiple cameras to capture motion in stop-motion photographs, pre-dated the flexible perforated film strip used in cinematography.
Notable Works and Exhibitions
*
Walking with a bucket in mouth; light-gray horse, Eagle (35 x 21 cm, George Eastman Museum, Rochester, United States, Photograph)
* Muybridge's pioneering work on motion photography is featured in the
WahooArt collection.
Legacy and Influence
Muybridge's contributions to photography and motion-picture projection are undeniable. His work has influenced numerous artists, including those featured in
A Journey Through Art History with WahooArt’s Extensive Collection. Muybridge's legacy continues to inspire new generations of photographers and filmmakers.
Important Dates:
* April 9, 1830: Born in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England
* May 8, 1904: Died in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England