Information about the picture of deaf boy hearing for the first time.

March 14, 2010 10:48 PM

It seems that the boy in the famous picture of "boy hearing for the first time" is named Harold Whittles, and the photographer is named Jack Bradley. Are there any reliable sources about the story behind this photograph?
posted by palet to Media & Arts (5 answers total)

If you have access to an archive, the photo was published in the February 1974 edition of Reader's Digest, in the article, "Unforgettable moments caught on film". Perhaps more information is there.
posted by Houstonian at 3:13 AM on March 15, 2010

Also, the child and photographer were in Peoria, Illinois (see the link above). The Cullom-Davis Library at Bradley University now has 1,000 of his photos. He worked for the Peoria Journal Star. Perhaps the university or newspaper has more information?
posted by Houstonian at 3:19 AM on March 15, 2010

Thanks, Houstonian. I had seen the library site but couldn't find the picture here. I'll try to order the Feb. 74 issue of Reader's Digest and what I get.
posted by palet at 10:08 PM on March 15, 2010

See if any libraries around you have a copy of "The Instant It Happened," which is a compilation of Pulitzer Prize winning photographs. Each one has a backstory blurb about the shot.
posted by rhizome at 3:04 AM on March 16, 2010

Thanks, rhizome. I got the Feb. 74 issue of Reader's Digest, but it doesn't say more than what I found on the net.
posted by palet at 9:09 PM on March 21, 2010