Edison Phonographs and Records 1888 Posters and Art Prints

Thomas A. Edison invented the phonograph, the first device for recording and playing back sound, in 1877. After patenting the invention and benefiting from the publicity and acclaim it received, Edison turned their attention to the development of electric lighting, playing no further role in the development of the phonograph for nearly a decade. Edison’s improved phonograph was released in 1888. The original records were wax cylinders which were later replaced by Blue Amberol cylinders, and finally, vertical-cut Diamond Discs, which would be the format that would lead to modern-day vinyl records. Until 1910 the recordings did not carry the names of the artists, making it all the more important to keep the record and the sleeve together.