In a world of mostly disposable images the idea that hundreds of people would gather to look at mostly random pictures seems unlikely. But these are pictures that open windows into other worlds…the past. They charm and enchant us with their glimpses into other lives and they remind us with their permanence of what we have given away for our digital freedom.
The Daguerreian Society met recently in Pasadena and spent several days in meetings and discussions about the issues of collecting and preservation. On Saturday afternoon there was a photography fair, a place where collectors and dealers could spread their wares out on tables. As one member said, “It is the largest number of daguerreotypes to hit California since the Gold Rush”. Thousands of 19th-century images were on display and offered for sale. For ten dollars anyone could walk in, handle and explore pictures made in the 1840s, 50, 60s and so on. You could imagine the lives of the people in the pictures, find one that resonated, and perhaps walk away owning it for surprisingly little money.
Daguerreotypes can be beautiful, especially the hand painted ones and the years bring their own wabi-sabi. Each is unique, a non reoccurring moment, a life gone by with just this instant remembered. Each is special in a way that few modern images can be. They remind us that pictures can be special, can be made with care and intended to convey meaning beyond “what I had for dinner last night”.
Not everything there was expected. There were surprises to be seen in the aisles. Near the back there was a collection appearing for the first time, Daguerreotypes of the family of Ansel Adams – rich with history and with meaning that will undoubtedly be important to museums or researchers or people who care about the past.
It wasn’t all Daguerreotypes of course; there were prints to be seen as well, Ambrotypes, Calotypes, Platinums and silver, glimpses of a California with dirt roads and homes not yet surrounded by others. I am not a collector. I can love a print without having to possess it. But even as I write I am regretting I didn’t seriously consider a Platinum print of Mt. Tamaulipas in Northern California. Those muted tones will haunt me now for a while.
The magic is still alive. There were large modern Ambrotypes on display, startling with their blue tinted grounds and there are committed photographers everywhere working with the old processes, keeping them a part of the photographic conversation. But Saturday afternoon was mainly about photographers long gone and subjects barely remembered – and how special they are to see.
Saturday November 7th, 2015 was the auction. Many high quality images were offered with part of the proceeds going to benefit the Society. Even though the auction is closed now the pictures are still worth seeing and you can see them with this story. Their faces are eloquent, their poses and clothing tell stories that make me want to know more. Maybe next year…
INFORMATION
The Daguerreian Society 2015 Symposium Benefit Auction
November 7th, 2015
Pasadena, California
United States
http://daguerre.org
www.andyromanoff.zenfolio.com
