Points of View: Capturing the 19th Century in photographs exhibition

Well, here we are today with our modern DSLR’s, taking photographs to our heart’s content, using digital memory cards which can capture many hundreds of images to be saved on to disk, our hard drives or printed on to photo quality printing paper using photo quality inks developed to keep their colour for many years.

While we continue to take advantage of the progress and innovations in photography today; which we enjoy immensely, it wound be well to remember the pioneers of the photographic image and its history.

There is no better place to visit right now than the British Library with its current ‘Points of View: Capturing the 19th Century in photographs exhibition which ‘unlocks a treasure trove of images’ from its archives of books and printed media ‘from the dawn of photography.’

As photographers, amateur or professional: there are over 250 ‘rarely-seen images tracing the development from gentleman’s pursuit to mass pastime’ which will enhance and engage your interest.

In fact, whether you are a photographer or not this exhibition has a rich and encompassing story to tell that will have you coming back to enjoy the variety of associated events over the coming months; including performances, talks and family fun days.

John Falconer Head of Visual Materials Curator of Photography gave a very inspiring talk.

On Thursday 29th October I was one of a very fortunate few privileged guests from the press, invited to this preview, having been asked by ePHOTOzine to attend the exhibition on their behalf. To say that I was impressed by all that I saw of the exhibition and heard during the simultaneous talk is quite an understatement.

The exhibition grabbed and held my attention and interest even before I walked through the doors of the PACCAR Gallery. The unique gifts and merchandise from the exhibition is right there in the small yet well stocked Library shop, I could not stop my eyes from gathering a sneak look into what I was about to experience. Secondly, on either side of the PACCAR Gallery doors there are two very ‘appetite whetting’ exhibition wall friezes.

After gaining permission, I took some photographs (no flash allowed, of course) just before going through the door in to the exhibition and then as I walked around. The layout of the exhibition was very well planned and clearly marked and set out; with the objects of specific interest placed appropriately. There was a good measure of interactivity where possible.

John Falconer Head of Visual Materials Curator of Photography gave a very comprehensive, interesting and inspiring talk while he was showing us around the exhibition. John spoke of many pioneers in photography during the 19th Century; William Henry ‘Fox Talbot’ possibly being one of the most prevalent Pioneers of his time due to the fact that he found a way to make photographic images more permanent on the paper thus leading the way to the beginnings of commercial photography and the advancement of photography as we know it today.

John Falconer told me that he does have a personal interest in photography, especially travel photography. He also has a particular liking of the panoramic photographic view point. During his photographic pursuits John uses a Leica M8.

Another photographic process John is very interested in is the method of photomechanical reproduction which ‘William Henry ‘Fox Talbot’ applied himself to perfecting during the early 1850’s. It is a process ‘which would allow images to be etched onto a metal plate and subsequently printed in a press with ink in the traditional way.’

On a lighter and final note while speaking to Julie Yau, Arts Press Officer, I asked : “had she not been connected with this exhibition what would be her incentive to come along?” Julie’s response was simply and accurately persuasive: “The exhibition is visually striking. Photographic images are immediately emotive.”

We both agreed that a photograph with text crystallises the points made in an article or news story and adds gravitas. ‘Seeing is to believe.’

Go along and have a look for yourselves – you will NOT be disappointed.

For opening times of the exhibition and travel information visit: www.bl.uk

Words and images by Fiona Young.