Albert Baron was a photographer and publisher of Paris-Stéréo stereoviews. Albert Ernest Baron was born on 3 October 1870 in Rouen, Normandy. He was the third child, and only son, of Gustave Alfred Baron (1839–1888) and Justine Maria Elisabeth Bertrand (1843–1904). Both parents were merchants1. Albert was not related to the Paris born photographer Louis Albert Baron, who was active as photographer in Brussels, Dunkirk and Douai and also used the name Albert Baron.
Albert married on 29 July 1910 with Marie Augustine Doute. The registration of the marriage mentions his profession as a photographer and publisher2.
Paris-Stéréo stereoviews were sold in series of 12. The series shows sights from France, Algeria, Italy and Belgium. This specific and limited list of countries, and the fact that Baron was a photographer, suggest that a large amount of the images were photographed by Baron himself. Series with scenes from the First World War were published during and after the war.
The last mention of his company dates from 19313. By then, Baron was 60 years old and his company was maybe dissolved because of his retirement or because of the decline of stereoscopy. He died on 10 January 1951 in Houdan.
A handwritten letter by Albert Baron that was attached to a Paris-Stéréo catalogue:
The translated text reads:
Paris, 25 July 1922
Sir,
In response to your request of July 22, here is the list of my stereoscopic views, format 8.5 x 17, on bromide glossy cardboards, format 6 x 13. I only have a wholesale price, for a minimum of 6 series, even for larger orders. The price is 5.50 per series of 12 views 8.5 x 17, and 4.25 per series of 12 views 6 x 13. Postage included.
I leave the day after tomorrow for the annual photography trip. Therefore, the order should be sent to me by mail, otherwise it will have to be postponed to the first days of September. Please note that series no. 1 in 6 x 13 and series 161 in 8.5 x 17 are currently out of stock. Also, please indicate two or three extra numbers of your choice as a precaution.
Please accept, Sir, my most respectful regards.
References
- Cailly, A., Genealogy tree of Albert Baron via: geneanet.org ↩︎
- Albert Ernest Baron, photographe et éditeur. From wedding certificate Albert Ernest Baron and Marie Augustine Doute, 29 July 1910. ↩︎
- Photo annuaire, 1931, p. 277 via: gallica.bnf.fr ↩︎