Alfred Cheney Johnston

In May 2024, we discovered and purchased more than 700 glass-plate negatives produced by Alfred Cheney Johnston. We admired the details, depth of field, poses, and costumes. We marveled over the edits that ACJ and his wife, Doris, made by hand to some plates. We painstakingly researched each plate so we could catalog the images and identify the men and (mostly) women in the photos. We have been able to positively identify over 350 images. 

Many of the images have never been printed, as far as we could find. Women would likely sit for more than one photo at a time. Then, they or ACJ, would pick 1 or 2 to print. The plates that were not selected were filed away by ACJ. 

Johnston used a large format, 11x14 Century view camera for most of his images. Occasionally, he would produce smaller negatives. We have some of his 8x10 plates as well as quite a few 5x7 plates.  When those become available, we will clearly list the size of the image on the product page.

Upon ACJ's death in 1971, his estate, including all of his glass-plate negatives passed on to his close friends, Arthur and Martha Sias of Connecticut. Mrs. Sias sold a large amount of the plates to a private collector/art dealer. Our collection came from this dealer. 

We continue to research the plates and hope to identify more of the models, actresses, dancers, and singers that sat in front of his camera. We also hope to find and secure additional glass-plate negatives and add them to our collection. 

Our goal from day one has been to protect and preserve this valuable collection. Once in our possession we immediately moved them to a secure, climate-controlled building. Unfortunately, we may never find all of the glass plates that ACJ stored at his Connecticut studio and farmhouse. But, we will honor the artistry and dedication of Alfred Cheney Johnston and we encourage you to learn more about the man and his work. 

We will issue only 200 prints of each image. We will begin with the selection found in our SHOP and every 6-12 months we will offer additional quality images.

To maintain the integrity of the plates, we have chosen to produce high-quality digital photographs of the glass plate and use that to offer a giclee print on fine archival paper. This method reduces the handling of these fragile plates and allows the original image on the plate to remain in the condition we found it in.  

Your purchase will help us continue to protect ACJ's work and share his legacy with the world. 

Each print you purchase will be securely packaged and shipped flat (not rolled).

alfred cheney johnston