I was fortunate enough to travel to Washington DC to attend the Daguerreian Society Symposium on Oct 15-17th this year, my first time travelling to the US, and my first opportunity to meet so many artists making Daguerreotypes.
With such few makers in Australia (quite literally a handful?) I was thrilled to spend time with, and see the work of some of the best Daguerreian artists in the world.
The Symposium was spread over three days and included tours of institutes such as The National Gallery of Art, Library of Congress and Smithsonian American Art Museum. We heard presentations by contemporary artists, photographic conservators, and specialists in 19th Century Photography. I took part in a makers’ salon showcasing the work of contemporary Daguerreian artists, and on the final day a photography fair for dealers and collectors of antique Daguerreotypes.
‘Treasures Tour’ of Library of Congress, recent acquisitions at the National Gallery of Art, and a preview of the exhibition ‘Remember me: Picturing African Americans in early photography’
Coming from Australia, it was incredible to see such a rich photographic history on display. We were welcomed and shown amazing artifacts in the collections of some of the country’s largest museums. The reverence these historic collections are shown was refreshing and inspirational, the enthusiasm and passion of curators, conservators, collectors, academics and artists alike was truly wonderful to see. A deep interest in a shared history was clear, but also a simple appreciation of both the beauty and science of photography.
Presentations at the National Gallery of Art
Certainly my love of 19th Century photography and in particular the Daguerreotype was cemented further over the three days.
Most important to me was the opportunity to connect with other Daguerreotypists. Spending time with a group of like minded photographers was incredible fun, I thank them wholeheartedly for their generosity and openness.
The Makers Salon was obviously a highlight for me, to see the work of artists I have admired and speak with them about their process and making was invaluable.
I was especially pleased to be able to meet again with Jerry Spagnoli, who introduced me to making Daguerreotypes in 2023 at a workshop at Gold Street Studios (VIC, Australia). I feel very thankful that I met him at that time, an inspiring teacher; once I held my first daguerreotype in my hand I was hooked.
It was a pleasure to meet Dr Mike Robinson, as both Daguerreotypist and president of the society his championing of modern makers was evident. At this years Makers Salon he and his wife Fiona introduced a peoples choice award in the name of Irving Pobboravsky; a pioneer of modern Daguerreotypy. I hope the tradition continues and grows in years to come.
the Makers Salon, a showing of contemporary Daguerreotypes
Thanks to the organisers for all their hard work, especially to Cindy Motzenbecker and Diane Filippi who were so welcoming when I arrived. And all of the wonderful artists I met; Francesco, Simone, Anja, Anton, Allan, Rob, Jingxian and HengLi. Some of whom I had communicated with previously online, but it was so great to meet them in person. All dedicated, passionate photographers, thank you all.
With some luck I will see you all next year in Kansas.
Now… back to polishing silver.
Daguerreotypists:
Anton Orlov, Francesco Fragomeni, Rob McElroy, Bianca Conwell, Simone Wicca, Mike Robinson, Ariadna Romer, Allen Phillips, Boyce Bush, Jerry Spagnoli. (absent Anja Brown, Jingxian Wu, Hengli Ge)