Renowned Photographer. A native Hoosier, Joseph Woodson "Pops" Whitesell was part of a New Orleans group of bohemian writers and artists living and working in the French Quarter in the 1930's and 1940's where he photographed the artists, writers and photographers who were attracted to the historic area. He began teaching himself how to take photographs at age 17. He came to New Orleans as a professional photographer shortly after the first World War in 1918. Settled in 1921 at an apartment and studio at 726 St. Peter Street behind what is now the well-known jazz club Preservation Hall and by the 1940's ranked among the top ten salon exhibitors in the world; among his famous portrait subjects; Wayman Adams, Sherwood Anderson, Sinclair Lewis, Lyle Saxon, Erle Stanley Gardner. His fame led to a one man exhibition at Smithsonian Institution of 58 of his photographs in 1946. Pops was never married. He is the son of Simon Bruce Whitesell 1853-1923 and Alice Whitesell 1855-1936.
Renowned Photographer. A native Hoosier, Joseph Woodson "Pops" Whitesell was part of a New Orleans group of bohemian writers and artists living and working in the French Quarter in the 1930's and 1940's where he photographed the artists, writers and photographers who were attracted to the historic area. He began teaching himself how to take photographs at age 17. He came to New Orleans as a professional photographer shortly after the first World War in 1918. Settled in 1921 at an apartment and studio at 726 St. Peter Street behind what is now the well-known jazz club Preservation Hall and by the 1940's ranked among the top ten salon exhibitors in the world; among his famous portrait subjects; Wayman Adams, Sherwood Anderson, Sinclair Lewis, Lyle Saxon, Erle Stanley Gardner. His fame led to a one man exhibition at Smithsonian Institution of 58 of his photographs in 1946. Pops was never married. He is the son of Simon Bruce Whitesell 1853-1923 and Alice Whitesell 1855-1936.
Bio by: Mark W. Neice
Inscription
Beloved "Pops" Whitesell of New Orleans. Creator of "Margaret Holds the Floor" Hon. Master of Photography P. A. Fellow P. S. A.
Family Members
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