Delaney, a curator of photography at the National Museum of American History, will talk about the relationship between Duke Ellington and the Scurlock family of photographers at 12:15 p.m. Thursday at the National Museum of American History.
Who were the Scurlocks?
Addison, the father, and sons, Robert and George, ran a prominent photography studio at 900 U St. NW, near Howard University for almost the entire 20th century, from 1911 to 1994, focusing on portrait work, weddings and the D.C. African American community. Addison and his family moved to D.C. in 1900 from North Carolina, and he apprenticed with photographer Moses P. Rice. Addison opened his own studio and perfected what became known as “the Scurlock Look,” well-composed, well-lit, beautifully toned and dignified portraits. His sons joined the business after graduating from Howard.
How did you get involved with their story?
I received a call from the estate of Robert Scurlock in 1995, shortly after his death. The family was looking for a home for the Scurlock Studio Collection. It was an exciting opportunity to collect D.C. African American history and photography for the Smithsonian, incorporating it into a national story.
What are some of your favorite subjects?
Some of my favorites include Addison’s panoramic views of the 1912 NAACP Mid-Winter’s Ball and the Suburban Gardens amusement park, open from the 1920s to 1940s when Glen Echo Park was whites only. Also, the many World War II-era family portraits and wedding portraits taken with men in uniform.
What was their relationship with Duke Ellington?
American musician and composer Duke Ellington happened to be a friend and neighbor of the Scurlocks on the 1200 block of T Street NW. Ellington’s son Mercer and George were close childhood friends. The Scurlock image of Ellington at his piano has become one of the most recognized of the entire collection. The exhibition remains open through Feb. 28.
— Scott McCabe
