FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Fairhope Museum of History has opened its newest exhibit, “The Works of Frank Stewart (1855-1942).” The display is invaluable documentation of the early years of Fairhope and Baldwin County.

The exhibit includes a reproduction of Stewart’s darkroom, showing how he used natural light to expose and develop his photos.

The museum has more than 600 of Stewart’s original photos in its collection. The exhibit features many of these in a chronological portrait of Fairhope, said Donnie Barrett, museum director.

Because Stewart’s shop was torn down in the 1960s, most of his original glass plates were destroyed, Barrett said.

“It’s fortunate that we have his prints and postcards because he really documented life in Fairhope for most of its early years. Even though he was blind in one eye, he was a great photographer, a real artist with light and shadow. He was also a good self-promoter.

“He took pictures of everything that happened in Fairhope, from weddings and family portraits to community events. Many of his family portraits were taken in front of his shop (on the corner of Call and Section streets), and he made sure to include his ‘Stewart the Picture Man’ sign in the background of the photo,” Barrett said.

Celebrate the life and work of Fairhope’s Stewart the Picture Man at the Fairhope Museum of History.

The exhibit will remain at the museum through the first of the year.

The museum is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.

For more information, call (251) 929-1474.