Glossy platinotypes

Philip Jackson (p.jackson@nla.gov.au)
Tue, 23 May 1995 18:35:44 +22303754 (EET)

Here's a nice quote that reminds me of P. H. Emerson's celebrated remark
about certain people who print landscapes in cyanotype:

"He who glazes a platinotype commits an aesthetic sin; he would hardly
stop short of varnishing an engraving should the 'happy thought' strike
him" - Herbert B. Berkeley, "The Platinotype Process" Photographic News,
18 Feb. 1881, p. 81

Berkeley does, however, go on to allow applying wax to deep shadows to
increase brilliance, even if this isn't something modern conservators
would recommend. I wonder what he would have thought of Sprint Print
Brightner? Dave Fokos take note! (;-)

Philip Jackson
pjackson@nla.gov.au