['Sheffield Hall', 'North Sheffield Hall'] before 1882

These photographs of Sheffield Hall and North Sheffield Hall were produced by James Notman, although the exact dates are unknown. They’re printed illustrations, probably made using a photomechanical process like halftone, where an image is converted into tiny dots of varying sizes to reproduce grayscale tones. This technique, emerging in the late 19th century, democratized image reproduction by replacing costly, labor-intensive engraving. The effect here is a soft, almost atmospheric rendering of the architecture. The method used to print these images speaks to broader shifts in industrial production and consumption. Notman's choice of photomechanical printing, rather than more artisanal methods, underscores a transition towards mass production and efficiency. The images capture the early days of Yale, but they also subtly reflect a society increasingly shaped by technological innovation and the changing nature of work itself. By considering the materials and methods, we gain a deeper understanding of how images like these contributed to shaping perceptions of institutions like Yale, and the values they represent.