Downtown in Knoxville in Knox County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Knaffl and Brother Photographic Studio

Photographed By Tom Bosse, April 15, 2023

1. Knaffl and Brother Photographic Studio Marker

Inscription. Knaffl and Brother photographic studio built this stylish three-story building at the southwest corner of Gay and Church in 1909. The firm included Joseph Knaffl and his brother, Samuel, as well as Ervin Meyer, and specialized in high-quality prints, especially art prints. Occasionally it served as a public art gallery, with shows by the Nicholson Art League, including the work of pioneer professional artist Lloyd Branson, and impressionist Catherine Wiley. The corner building later bore a plaque reading "Birthplace of Tennessee," because it stood on the approximate site of the 1796 Constitutional Convention that formed the state. Later the site of the Farragut Diner and the upstairs Buttonwood Café, the building was torn down in 1996 after it was damaged by a fire.

(Photo credit: Thompson Photograph Collection, McClung Historical Collection)

Erected by Knoxville History Project.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Knoxville History Project - Downtown Art Wraps series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 35° 57.83′ N, 83° 54.966′ W. Marker is in Knoxville, Tennessee, in Knox County. It is in Downtown. Marker

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

is at the intersection of State Street and West Church Avenue, on the right when traveling north on State Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Knoxville TN 37902, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Joseph Knaffl (here, next to this marker); White's Mill (a few steps from this marker); First Presbyterian Church (within shouting distance of this marker); Journal Arcade Building (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lloyd Branson (about 400 feet away); The Everly Brothers (about 400 feet away); Tennessee Theater (about 400 feet away); Site of Blount College (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Knoxville.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Photographed By Tom Bosse, April 15, 2023

2. Knaffl and Brother Photographic Studio Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 8, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 3, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 91 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on May 3, 2023, by Tom Bosse of Jefferson City, Tennessee. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.