- A highly rare signed photograph of Helen Keller, the deafblind author and equal rights activist.
Helen Keller (1880-1968) was the first deafblind person to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree. Her physical impairments never stopped her from great accomplishments.
She became an internationally acclaimed author, public lecturer, political activist and social campaigner.
She was also a co-founder of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
This beautiful vintage photograph in fine condition, mounted neatly on board and measuring 8" x 5.25".
Keller's autograph and inscription, written in pencil, fills the bottom left portion of the image:
"To Mr. Alexander, In remembrance, Helen Keller, May 1902".
Keller signs with a clear, crisp example of her distinctive signature.
The portrait depicts Keller as a 22-year-old student at Mary Radcliffe College.
She was often photographed tin profile due to a protruding left eye. Later in adulthood, both eyes were replaced with glass replicas to alleviate some medical issues and for cosmetic reasons.
Research suggests the likely recipient of this photograph was William V. Alexander, managing editor of the Ladies' Home Journal.
In 1902 the magazine gave Keller the opportunity to showcase her talent as a writer, with a series of six articles about her early life.
The first was published in April 1902, and brought Keller's story to a wider audience.
This photograph, dated May 1902, was likely sent to Alexander thanking him for the publication of her first articles.
As such, it has a personal significance to Keller's life and career which adds greats to its desirability and value.
An exceptionally rare and inspiring signature for your collection.
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