Loading

Portrait of Alexander Graham Bell

1915

LIFE Photo Collection

LIFE Photo Collection
New York City, United States

Alexander Graham Bell (1847-1922) was a Scottish-born scientist, inventor, engineer and innovator who is credited with patenting the first practical telephone.

Bell's father, grandfather, and brother had all been associated with work on elocution and speech, and both his mother and wife were deaf, profoundly influencing Bell's life's work. His research on hearing and speech further led him to experiment with hearing devices which eventually culminated in Bell being awarded the first U.S. patent for the telephone in 1876. Bell considered his most famous invention an intrusion on his real work as a scientist and refused to have a telephone in his study.

Many other inventions marked Bell's later life, including groundbreaking work in optical telecommunications, hydrofoils and aeronautics. In 1888, Bell became one of the founding members of the National Geographic Society.

Details

  • Title: Portrait of Alexander Graham Bell
  • Date: 1915
  • Location: US
  • Physical Dimensions: B/W PRINT
  • Subject Keywords: 20Th Century Select, Alexander Graham Bell, Special Collections, 1910s
  • Publisher: TimeLife
  • Usage: For personal non-commercial use only
  • Provider: LIFE
  • Original ID: TimeLife_image_5571102
  • Credits: MANSELL COLLECTION

Get the app

Explore museums and play with Art Transfer, Pocket Galleries, Art Selfie, and more

Flash this QR Code to get the app
Google apps