To kick off the 'Rethinking Early Photography' conference, the University of Lincoln is hosting a free public lecture by distinguished photo-historian Larry J. Schaaf. Professor Schaaf will be talking about the controversy that was sparked in 2008 over his identification of the now-infamous 'Quillan Leaf' as possibly originating with Thomas Wedgwood.
In 2008, a simple photograph of a leaf was due to be sold at the famous New York auctioneers Sotheby’s. One newspaper suggested that the image could be worth millions. The leaf made headlines around the world when Professor Larry Schaaf’s speculations as to its age threatened to rewrite photographic history. A media firestorm ensued and the leaf was removed from sale. Come and hear Professor Schaaf publicly discuss his conclusions about the leaf for the first time.
The paper will discuss the implications of the row for photographic historiography. It will also draw on subsequent research into 'The Leaf'. Discussing the dating and authorship of the image, Professor Schaaf states: 'the answer lies within my original bookends...Beyond that, however, I feel that there needs to be an examination of just what is history, how do we approach constructing or re-constructing it, and how do we accommodate evolving information and perspectives without destroying the historical record in the process?'
This lecture will be the first time that Professor Schaaf has publicly aired his conclusions about 'The Leaf'. The lecture is free. All are welcome.
Details of the 'Rethinking Early Photography' conference (16th-17th June) can be found here. There is no need to come to the conference to attend the public lecture, though you are of course very welcome to register and take part in this event as well. Queries can be directed to rethinkingphotography@gmail.com
Free public Lecture by Larry J. Schaaf, 4pm 15th June 2015
'The Damned Leaf: musings on history, hysteria & historiography'
Co-op Lecture Theatre (MB0312), Minerva Building, Brayford Pool, University of Lincoln (UK), 4pm 15th June 2015.
You can read more about the leaf photograph and the Sotheby's auction here and news of the withdrawal from auction here
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