A. Aubrey Bodine's 1959 photograph, The Railroad that Stuck to Steam, captures engineer Otis Nevitt at the throttle of a locomotive used on the grounds of St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Washington, DC. The image, part of Bodine's extensive body of work, is a testament to his skill as a pictorialist and his dedication to documenting Maryland's people and places. Bodine, who began his career in 1923 with the Baltimore Sunday Sun, traveled throughout Maryland creating documentary pictures of exceptional quality, often surpassing typical newspaper standards. His work earned top honors in national and international salon competitions.
Bodine's approach to photography was rooted in artistry and craftsmanship. He studied art principles at the Maryland Institute College of Art and viewed his camera and darkroom tools as instruments akin to a painter's brush. He manipulated negatives with dyes, intensifiers, pencil markings, and even scraping to achieve desired effects, adding clouds photographically and making other elaborate alterations. For Bodine, the final picture mattered more than the method; he did not take a picture, he made a picture.
The significance of The Railroad that Stuck to Steam extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. It serves as a historical record of a bygone era, when steam locomotives were still in use at St. Elizabeth's Hospital. Bodine's work, including over 6,000 photographs spanning his 47-year career, is preserved and accessible at www.aaubreybodine.com. His biography, A Legend In His Time by Harold A. Williams, is also available on the site, providing deeper insight into his life and legacy.
Bodine's photographs are more than mere images; they are windows into the past, capturing the essence of mid-20th century America. His commitment to artistic excellence and historical documentation makes his work invaluable. The ability to order reprints and note cards from his collection ensures that his legacy continues to be shared with new generations. For additional information, interested parties can reach out via email at info@AAubreyBodine.com or by calling 1-800-556-7226.
