the home counties and other localities by Hilditch, and albums of photographs from 19th century China and Japan presented by the Vacher family. However, an important part of the Collection are the negatives of 86 photographs of Bath taken by the Rev Francis Lockey between 1849 and 1861, using the Fox Talbot calotype process.
In a recent newsletter, theChair of Collections, Rob Randall recently wrote that Michael Gray, former curator of the Fox Talbot Museum at Lacock, offered to sell BRLSI 39 framed prints developed from those negatives. These prints were exhibited at the Royal Photographic
At £25 per print andwith a stock of Gray's book on Lockey thrown in for free, it was an offer they couldn’t refuse. The prints were made using traditional methods on vintage photographic paper manufactured in the 1930s.
TheBRLSI will be exhibiting them shortly, with a series of related lectures. There is just one snag. Their budget did not allow for a chance acquisition like this to secure these items for the collections. To raise the sufficient funds, a scheme to sponsor a Lockey print has been set up. Further information can be found here or you can contact the BRLSI office direct on 01225 312084.
Meanwhile Shadows and Light - Bath in Camera 1849-1861, by Michael Gray and David McLaughlin, lavishly illustrated and with biographical and historical notes, is for sale at only £5 a copy.
Photos: Weirs south of Argle Bridge, Bath c1853-61; Boathouse, Riverside, Nr Claverton Street, Bath c1853-61; Somerset Wharf, Bath c1853-61.
Comments