Workshops: Capturing the 19th Century in Photographs

[Michael Pritchard]

To coincide with the British Library's forthcoming major exhibition: Points of View: Capturing the 19th Century in Photographs, the BL is running two workshops for Year 7-13, FE and HE students. They are available: Monday to Friday from Wednesday 4 November 2009 until Friday 5 March 2010 and run 90 minutes. Group size: minimum 10, maximum 30. Time Frame: for history students Participants will evaluate whether and to what extent photographs can be trusted as historical sources. Do photographs always reflect the reality of the times or can an image lie? Using a range of photographic sources in the exhibition, students will reflect critically upon the historical evidence contained within them, which reflect developments in attitudes, beliefs and ideas as well as social, economic and technological changes in 19th century Britain. Perspectives: for art students This workshop will explore the role of the photographer in 19th century Britain, as they documented life in Britain and abroad. It will begin by looking at the development of the medium of photography before examining the photographers themselves, the motivations behind their work and the choices they made in the creation of their images. Teacher Events There will be two free evening conferences for teachers on 2 November and 3 November 2009, both of which will include a private view of Points of View. To register your interest, please email [e-mail]. Further details will be available from early September. There is a minimum group size of ten. Details can be found here: http://www.bl.uk/learning/tarea/secondaryfehe/photography/povworkshops.html