2016-07-12 Tue

George Eastman – the American innovator and the Founder of Eastman Kodak Company was born on 12th July 1854. Born at Waterville, New York George Eastman took a passion for photography and turned it into a new industry making photography a simple hobby.

He was barely 30 when he perfected the process of making dry plates for photography. Further, he founded an Eastman Dry Plate and Film Company and by 1888 the first Kodak camera was placed on the market.

This simple box camera brought about a revolution. He, further, introduced a roll film on a transparent base which became a favourite of film production. Not only that, he also introduced a camera for children. Named as “Brownie”, this tiny camera was available for just one dollar.

By early 20th Century, Eastman Kodak established its monopoly over the photographic industry in the United States, and it has continued to be one of the largest American companies in its field.

His home in Rochester, now known as George Eastman House, has become a renowned archive and museum of international photography as well as a popular tourist site. Moreover, US post issued a 3 cents stamp in 1954. This special issue commemorating the centenary of his Birth features his portrait.