The Brady Collection

In February 2006, the Marin History Museum acquired the Brady Collection, commonly referred to as Aero Photographers, Inc. (API), from Grethe Brady, widow of API founder Ed Brady. This significant collection contains over 50,000 photographic negatives and prints, which were taken from a small, single-engine aircraft by pilot Ed Brady. These rare images were captured using World War II surplus cameras that Brady inventively mounted to his own plane and operated while in flight. Because Brady was the photographer as well as the pilot, his aerial images were shot at an angle rather than straight down, creating a unique yet readable landscape view. The resulting images are easier to identify and strikingly beautiful.

Ed Brady, a former World War II pilot, and his then partner, Jack Van Wart, founded API in 1954. Neither man was a photographer, but Brady owned his own plane and recognized the need for aerial photography in the rapidly expanding San Francisco Bay Area, as well as throughout California. API began as a strictly two-man operation, with both Brady and Van Wart doing the work in their off-hours from their regular jobs at local radio station KNBC.

Located in the former World War II Marinship building in Sausalito, Brady and Van Wart quickly established API as one of the most prolific and state-of-the-art aerial photography companies in the state. After only eight years in business, API accumulated an extensive archive of images and had a vast client list including realtors, land developers, governmental agencies, engineering firms, lawyers, oil companies, the press and universities. API captured California’s boom following World War II and continued to document the rapid development of the land in both Northern and Southern California through the 1980s. From San Diego to Eureka, API photographed the development of these communities and their changing landscapes. During the early 1960s, API expanded to four full-time staff, two full-time photographers and additional part-time help. Grethe Brady married Ed Brady in 1972, and became more involved in running the business in 1975 after Ed bought Van Wart’s share.

Grethe had provided limited access to the Brady Collection from her home before deciding two years ago to donate the collection to the Marin History Museum so that it can be properly preserved, cared for and shared with the public.

The Museum is thrilled to be the recipient of the Brady Collection and profoundly thanks Grethe Brady for her generous donation. The Brady Collection is a tremendous resource for historians, geographers and environmentalists, as well as a visual treasure trove for current business owners, cities and counties. To make this unique collection accessible, the Museum is properly archiving and organizing the large number of negatives and prints. We look forward to sharing the riches of the Brady Collection with our members and the public in the near future.

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Aerial view of Angel Island, Tiburon and Marin County, 1971, from the Brady Collection (Aero Photographers, Inc.)

Ed Brady with his plane and camera equipment, c.1975. Photo courtesy of Grethe Brady.

Aerial view of central San Rafael, 1958, from the Brady Collection (Aero Photographers, Inc.)
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