Lawrence & Houseworth

Lawrence & Houseworth operated as a photographic partnership primarily active between 1864 and 1865. Known for their focused documentation of the American West, their work concentrated exclusively on creating a major photographic series detailing the developing landscapes and natural features of California.

Eight of their photographs are represented in museum collections, establishing the firm’s significance as documentarians of 19th-century American geography. The Art Institute of Chicago holds examples of their historical work. These prints provide museum-quality views of California during a critical period of western expansion.

Notable photographs, often identified by serial numbers within the series, include Bridge Crossing the American River, California, No. 209 and Cactus Giganta, San Jose, No. 75. Their documentation extended to major natural landmarks, exemplified by Scene on the Summit of the Sierra Nevada Mountains, California, No. 222, The Lake, Yosemite Valley, No. 272, and Donner Lake, from the Summit. The resulting high-quality prints capture essential regional geography. Due to their age, many of Lawrence & Houseworth’s photographs are now classified as public domain material.