A group of elegantly dressed African American women gathers for a formal event, their smiles warm and inviting. The air is filled with laughter and the quiet hum of conversation, the kind shared among close friends and social circles. Captured through the lens of Jimmy Baynes (1922-2010), this striking black-and-white photograph offers a window into a bygone era of grace and refinement. The photograph was taken in 1956. Each woman stands poised in a display of sophistication, dressed in the finest evening attire of the time. Flowing cocktail dresses and full-skirted gowns drape effortlessly, adorned with delicate lace, satin finishes, and off-the-shoulder silhouettes. Wrist corsages add a touch of tradition, suggesting the occasion could be a gala, a debutante ball, or an exclusive sorority event. Their accessories—clutch purses, pearl necklaces, and elegantly styled hair—complete their timeless looks, reflecting the pride and elegance of their community. The setting, a well-appointed room with patterned wallpaper and a shelf filled with trinkets, provides an intimate backdrop for this moment of celebration. The women lean into each other slightly, exuding warmth, camaraderie, and joy. This is more than just a photograph; it is a glimpse into a world where fashion, culture, and history intertwine. Baynes, a Cleveland-based photographer known for documenting African American life, produced this image which holds both artistic and historical significance. He is renowned for capturing the vibrancy of African American life from the 1950s through the 1980s. Initially working as a postal worker, Baynes pursued photography as a passionate side venture, eventually establishing Baynes Foto Service. Over more than three decades, Baynes documented a wide array of events, including weddings, beauty contests, burlesque shows, and live music performances. His portfolio features candid and authentic glimpses into Cleveland’s African American community, encompassing local politicians, nightclub entertainers, and everyday social gatherings. Notably, he photographed prominent figures such as Aretha Franklin, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Mahalia Jackson, Louis Jordan, Jerry Lee Lewis, the Platters, and the Drifters. Baynes’ work has been recognized and preserved by institutions like the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum Library and Archives in Cleveland, where a collection of his photographs is housed, primarily focusing on music and entertainment. His images offer a rich narrative of mid-20th-century African American public life in the Midwest, reflecting both the cultural significance and everyday experiences of the community. In the summer of 2010, just months before his passing, Baynes’ photographs were featured in a group exhibition titled “Polaroid: Instant Joy” at a gallery in Brooklyn, New York, highlighting the enduring impact of his visual storytelling. (SOLD)
THE CABINET CARD GALLERY 