Irving Underhill

He produced work that was featured in postcards and numerous publications while he was still alive, and that continues to be exhibited and receive recognition long after his death.

He was the son of William James Underhill (1836–1895), a produce commission merchant, who married Louise Prince of Flushing, New York.

The photographs were then mailed to store managers throughout the country and abroad, with the recommendation that they be distributed and published as "widely as possible.

[9] Irving Underhill was particularly adept at showing the juxtaposition of old pedestrian-scaled buildings and newer skyscrapers that seemed to dominate the older city.

[11] This photograph showed the skyline below City Hall Park at the beginning of the century, to symbolize the passing of an era before tall buildings began to dominate the cityscape.

In 1982, a book entitled New York, photographs, 1850-1950 featured some of Underhill's work, particular his photo of Columbus Circle between 58th and 60th Streets.

[12] A photo of the Woolworth Building in 1913 made shortly after construction was completed was highlighted in a 1993 New York Times article.

Charles Hagen compared this photo with an etching from John Marin about the same time, and wrote "Irving Underhill's photo, made the same year, offers a more sober depiction of the building's Gothic forms than Marin's giddy impression, but records it with a mixture of down-to-earth factuality and pride.

[14] Still later, a photograph showing the West Street Building and the Singer Tower from the Hudson River, taken by Underhill ca.

Underhill's photo shows the beginning of decking being hung tenuously from the thick and heavy cables overhead.