19 century prints.

Terry King ()
Fri, 24 January 1997 5:27 PM

I certainly have an interest in prints from the whole of photographic
history but 19 th century prints are particularly interesting as they form
the basis for our activities. As each process was superseded by others that
gave better results on the bottom line, But those left behind or thrown out
with the bath water often had special qualities which are worth preserving.
The control of gum, the range and gradation of platinum are examples. It
is also facinating to watch the effect photography had upon society both in
terms of the arts and technology.

Perhaps the most beautiful photograph I own is a Woodburytype, mentioned
earlier, that is probably a Fenton photograph, of a golden mask from Troy.
The thing photographed is beautiful, the photograph is beautiful and so is
the thought that the Woodburytype was able to disseminate this beauty.

I am not a collector. I buy my photographs usually from junkshops or flea
markets as part of a liking for rummaging. But if Mr Benjafield places a
particularly attractive specimen under my nose I may be tempted.

I have a half plate coloured daguerreotype of a woman whose jewellery has
been guilded in the print. I wonder at the skill of the craftsman who
produced it. I have a Kilburn hand coloured albumen print in a daguerrotype
case from 1853 just before Kilburn were driven out of business by the new
and cheaper albumen/ collodion print. The print has technological,
economic and fashion interest. It is of a child wearing a dress straight
from the fashion plates of the time.

I have cartes de visites of my great great grand father and mother taken at
the time of their silver wedding. I also have their wedding photographs as
ambrotypes 101522.2625@compuserve.com (She is wearing the same dress). In the album is a photograph of
his mother who was born in 1784. These obviously have family interest but
underline the thought that before 1839 we did not know what people looked
like. Photography gave us that knowledge.

Terry King

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