De Forest pioneering Phonofilm, 1924 C014 / 2055
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De Forest pioneering Phonofilm, 1924 C014 / 2055
De Forest pioneering Phonofilm. US inventor and electrical and radio engineer Lee De Forest (centre right, 1873-1961) filming in Phonofilm in 1924 in the grounds of the White House, Washington DC, USA. De Forest patented the Audion tube (triode valve) in 1907, a device that gained widespread use in radios to amplify weak signals. He also invented and worked on a process to record sound directly onto film, a process he called Phonofilm, patented in 1919. This led to the use of sound in films, revolutionising the medium. His awards included the Elliott Cresson Medal of 1923, and the 1946 IEEE Edison Medal
Science Photo Library features Science and Medical images including photos and illustrations
Media ID 9270507
© LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s 1920s 1924 Camera Cinematography Early Film Filming Garden Grounds Group Portrait Movie National Photo Company Collection North American Outdoors Outside Pioneer Pioneering Portrait Video Washington Dc Cinematographer Directors Filmmaker White House
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a pivotal moment in the history of cinema. In 1924, Lee De Forest, an American inventor and electrical engineer, is seen pioneering his groundbreaking invention called Phonofilm. Standing at the center-right of the frame, De Forest exudes determination as he films on the grounds of the iconic White House in Washington DC. De Forest's revolutionary device, the Audion tube or triode valve, was patented in 1907 and became widely used to amplify weak signals in radios. However, it was his invention and development of Phonofilm that truly revolutionized filmmaking. Patented in 1919, this innovative process allowed sound to be recorded directly onto film. In this historic image, we witness De Forest surrounded by a group of fellow pioneers who shared his vision for advancing cinematography. The serene garden setting adds a touch of tranquility to this scene filled with technological marvels. Throughout his illustrious career, De Forest received numerous accolades for his contributions to science and technology including the prestigious Elliott Cresson Medal in 1923 and the IEEE Edison Medal in 1946. Preserved by the Library of Congress' National Photo Company Collection from Science Photo Library, this remarkable portrait serves as a testament to De Forest's indelible mark on cinematic history. It reminds us that behind every great advancement lies an individual driven by passion and ingenuity - forever shaping our world through their unwavering dedication to progress.
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