Anyone familiar with Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institution will know they have spent this year celebrating the invention of photography by way of their exhibition ‘Worlds Apart’, which places two collections of early photography (one set from 19th-century Bath and another set from 19th-century Shanghai) side by side .
What this amazing display of early photography illuminates fully is not only the history and beauty of both cities, but how the magical art of capturing a moment in time transformed the world for ever.
This Autumn, Bath will also benefit from two further exhibitions on the subject of early photography courtesy of the Herschel Museum: Photology: John Herschel, Henry Talbot and Early Photography exploring Sir John Herschel’s pivotal role in the development of photography and his collaboration with photographic pioneer William Henry Fox Talbot and The as-yet unseen, a new artistic intervention by Grace Weir created in response to the museum’s dual identity as both a family home and a site of major scientific discovery.
It seems fitting in which case that both BRLSI and the Hershel come together this Saturday to deliver a day conference exploring the genesis of Early photography in Britain. How did it evolve from the experimentation of Henry Talbot, John Herschel and their extended family, scientific and artistic networks, and what were the links with the French daguerreotype process that was unfolding?
Saturday’s conference explores the extent of the contributions of Talbot and Herschel and their circles in the development of the craft, alongside wider themes in early photography. It will also explore the continuing legacy of early photography with contemporary artists.
Whether you are an experienced photographer, a keen amateur or just someone interested in the history of art generally, the conference promises something for everyone. Attendees will get the chance to mingle over lunch and the ticket price will include refreshments throughout the day and post-event drinks.
Full details of the programme can be found on the BRLSI website.
To Book: https://www.brlsi.org/whatson/early-british-photography/