25 January 1839 – ‘Dame Nature has become his drawing mistress’

29 Jan 2016: Earlier this week, on 25 January, Burn’s Night was celebrated worldwide and I trust that everyone sought out their favourite haggis. In all of Talbot’s writings there is no evidence that he ever got a chance to enjoy this Scottish delicacy (but none to the contrary either). The 25th of January has a special significance …

To fix or not to fix? – Sir John Herschel’s question

22 Jan 2016: Not only as the great friend and student of Sir John Herschel, Julia Margaret Cameron is increasingly recognised in her own right as one of the foundational figures in the art of photography. The bicentenary of her birth is being widely celebrated with many shows and lectures. If you can see only one photography exhibition …

London soot, from an angel’s point of view

15 Jan 2016: “The stately edifices of the British Metropolis too frequently assume from the influence of our smoky atmosphere such a swarthy hue as wholly to obliterate the natural appearance of the stone of which they are constructed. This sooty covering destroys all harmony of colour, and leaves only the grandeur of form and proportions. This picture …

Talbot’s 16th c photograph

8 Jan 2016: Although we have such wonderful documentation on many of Talbot’s productions, precisely and reliably dating his photographs can be difficult. I’m often asked to hazard a guess on the most likely date for a particular image. In the case of this panoramic view of the River Thames in London, based solely on the visual evidence, …

Happy New Year from Henry

1 Jan 2016: with good wishes to all & the hope that 2016 will prove to be a fine year for you • Questions or Comments? Please contact digitalsupport@bodleian.ox.ac.uk • WHFT, Trio of Botanical Specimens, photogenic drawing negative, watermarked ‘J Whatman Turkey Mill’, 1839, Talbot Loan Collection, the Bodleian Libraries, Schaaf no 4200. …