Photograph of Louis Armstrong and Velma Middleton

Object Details

Photograph by: Arsene Studio, American
Subject of: Velma Middleton, American, 1917 - 1961; Louis Armstrong, American, 1901 - 1971; Strand Theatre, American, 1914 - 1987

Description: A silver gelatin print depicting a black-and-white image of Louis Armstrong and Velma Middleton standing on stage behind a microphone. They are standing side-by-side, looking towards the left side of the image, with their arms around each other’s backs. Armstrong hold his proper right arm up with his fingers curled and he holds his trumpet in his proper left hand behind Middleton’s back. Middleton holds her proper left hand up in a wave. Armstrong is depicted wearing a medium toned jacket and light pants. He has a comical expression on his face. Middleton is depicted wearing a long, belted dress with short sleeves and floral jewelry. An inscription in black ink in the lower right corner reads, [To Our Boy / With Love & / Kisses & Success / Always To / Willie / Sincerely / Velma & Pops]. On the back of the image is a stamp in black ink that reads, [PLEASE CREDIT ARSENE STUDIO / STRAND THEATRE BLDG., N. Y. C., N. Y.].

Credit Line: Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

ca. 1946

Restrictions & Rights: Unknown - Restrictions Possible; Rights assessment and proper usage is the responsibility of the user.

Medium: silver and photographic gelatin on photographic paper
Dimensions: H x W (Image): 9 1/2 × 7 9/16 in. (24.1 × 19.2 cm); H x W (Sheet): 9 15/16 × 8 1/16 in. (25.3 × 20.4 cm)

Place made: New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America

See more items in: National Museum of African American History and Culture Collection
Collection title: The Laura Cathrell Show-Down Magazine Collection
Classification: Photographs and Still Images

National Museum of African American History and Culture

Topic: African American; Entertainers; Instrumentalists (Musicians); Jazz (Music); Nightlife; Photography; Singers (Musicians); Theatre

GUID (Link to Original Record): http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd50d69b37f-8112-4dec-9d4f-3faa628bd7fa