Umjetnik
Rođen/a u Oneonta, SAD
Carleton Watkins: Pionir pejzažne fotografije
Rano djetinjstvo i podrijetlo (1829. – 1851.)
Rođen: 11. studenog 1829. u Oneontama, New York.
Carleton E. Watkins bio je najstariji od osmijero djece koje su rodili John i Julia Watkins, obrtnik i domaćica.
Odgojen u ruralnom okruženju, stekao je vještine lovca i ribolovca te je sudjelovao u lokalnim aktivnostima poput glee kluba i prezbiterijanskog crkvenog zbora.
Godine 1851., vođen obećanjem bogatstva, Watkins je s prijateljem iz djetinjstva, Collisom Huntingtonom, krenuo prema San Franciscu.
Rana karijera i fotografski počeci (1851. – 1861.)
Iako početno nisu uspjeli pronaći zlato, i Watkins i Huntington postigli su uspjeh u svojim pripadajućim područjima.
Watkins je započeo kao dostavljač zaliha za rudarske operacije prije nego što je postao trgovac u knjižnici Georgea Murrayja.
Ključni trenutak: Neočekivana slobodna pozicija u studiju daguerreotipista Roberta H. Vancea dovela je Watkinsa na stažiranje, unatoč tome što nije imao prethodnog fotografskog iskustva.
Brzo je ovladao tom umjetnošću, nadmašivši svog instruktora i izgradio reputaciju vrhunskog kvaliteta rada.
Do 1858. godine, Watkins je osnovao vlastiti fotografski posao, preuzimajući angažmane poput ilustriranja Kalifornije za Jamesa Masona Hutchingsa te dokumentiranja rudarskih posjeda.
Yosemite i era "Mammoth" ploča (1861. – 1867.)
Preokret: U julu 1861., Watkins je otputovao u dolinu Yosemite, opremljen svojim kamerom za "mammoth" ploče (koristeći staklene ploče dimenzija 18x2ly inča) i stereoskopskom kamerom.
Zabilježio je neke od prvih detaljnih fotografija Yosemiteja, predstavljajući njegovu veličanstvenost istočnoj publici.
Te su slike bile presudne u uvjeravanju Kongresa da očuva dolinu Yosemite kao nacionalni park – što je svjedočanstvo moći vizualne dokumentacije.
Godine 1864., dobio je od Državnog geološkog istraživanja Kalifornije zadatak fotografiranja Yosemiteja.
Svoju prvu javnu galeriju otvorio je 1867. godine te je izlagao na Univerzalnoj izložbi u Parizu, gdje je osvojio medalju za svoj rad.
Uspjeh, setbacks i kasniji život (1867. – 1916.)
Watkinsova „Yosemite Art Gallery“ izlagala je preko stotinu velikih prikaza Pacifičke obale i tisuće stereoskopskih slika.
Poslovni izazovi: Unatoč umjetničkom uspjehu, Watkins se borio s poslovnim vodstvom i izgubio je svoju galeriju vjerovniku J.J. Cooku, koji je potom reproducirao njegov rad bez priznanja autorskih prava, zbog nedostatka zakona o autorskim pravima za fotografije u to vrijeme.
Odgovorio je stvaranjem „Nove serije“ slika, pokušavajući povratiti svoju umjetničku viziju.
Watkins se 1879. oženio Frances Sneed i imao dvoje djece: Juliju (rođenu 1881.) i Collisa (rođenog 1883.).
Postupni gubitak vida ometao je njegov rad 1890-ih, što je kulminiralo nemogućnošću dovršetka angažmana za Phoebe Hearst.
Posljednje godine i naslijeđe
Finansijski poteškoće prisilile su obitelj Watkins da osamnaest mjeseci živi u željezničkom vagonu.
Zemljotres i požar u San Franciscu 1906. godine uništili su njegov studio, zajedno s bezbroj fotografija i negativima.
Watkins se povukao na Capay Ranch i proglašen je nesposobnim 1910. godine, nakon čega je primljen u državnu bolnicu za 정신no bolesne u Napu.
Smrt: Preminuo je 1916. godine i zakopan u neoznačenom grobu na bolničkom zemljištu.
Watkinsovo naslijeđe opstaje kao pionira pejzažne fotografije, čije su slike ne samo zabilježile ljepotu američkog Zapada, već i odigrale ključnu ulogu u njegovom očuvanju.
Muzej
Izloženo u Aberystwyth, United Kingdom
A Sanctuary of Welsh Identity: The National Library of Wales
Nestled within the picturesque coastal landscape of Aberystwyth, the National Library of Wales stands as a profound beacon of culture and scholarship, far transcending its role as a mere repository of books. Established in 1907 with the noble ambition to safeguard the literary heritage of Wales from dispersal, this institution embodies the very spirit of a nation. To step through its doors is to enter a space where history breathes, a place where the intellectual aspirations of the Welsh people are etched into every stone and parchment. The library serves as a vital bridge between the ancient traditions of Cymru and the modern world, offering a sanctuary for those who seek to understand the deep-rooted narratives that define Welsh identity.
The architectural grandeur of the building itself is a masterpiece of thoughtful design, reflecting a harmonious blend of classical elegance and modern functionality. Conceived initially by Sidney Greenslade and later expanded by the visionary Charles Holden, the edifice utilizes a sophisticated palette of Cornish granite and Portland stone to exude an aura of dignified scholarship. As a Grade II* listed monument, its presence is both commanding and serene. The North Reading Room, bathed in a soft, natural light, remains a sacred space for contemplation, designed specifically to foster creativity and inspire profound thought among researchers. This architectural achievement is further enhanced by meticulously landscaped grounds that create a tranquil environment, inviting visitors to reflect upon the artistic and historical legacy held within.
Beyond its structural beauty, the true magnificence of the library lies in its unparalleled treasures. It boasts an astonishing collection exceeding 6.5 million books and periodicals, yet it is the unique national collection of Welsh manuscripts that captures the heart of the true collector. The Peniarth Collection stands as a cornerstone of medieval literature, showcasing exquisite calligraphy and illuminated manuscripts that illuminate the beliefs and customs of bygone eras with vibrant clarity. For those captivated by visual storytelling, the library’s collection of paintings and topographical prints offers a breathtaking panorama of Welsh landscapes, capturing the rugged beauty and diverse traditions of the nation. This visual archive is complemented by the National Screen and Sound Archive of Wales, which meticulously documents the auditory and cinematic pulse of Welsh life.
<
A Living Legacy for the Modern Collector
What distinguishes the National Library of Wales from other great institutions is its unwavering devotion to the Welsh language and culture, a commitment that extends into active promotion and global engagement. By embracing accessibility and utilizing Welsh as a primary medium of communication, the library ensures that its heritage remains a living, breathing entity rather than a static relic of the past. The adoption of the Library of Congress Classification system as early as 1913 exemplifies a pioneering foresight that continues to facilitate scholarly access worldwide. Today, the institution continues to evolve by harnessing digital technologies and fostering collaborations with artists and universities alike, ensuring that the story of Wales is told through both ancient ink and modern innovation.
For art lovers and interior designers seeking inspiration, the library offers a profound connection to the aesthetic soul of the United Kingdom. The recent exhibitions have illuminated lesser-known facets of Welsh artistic history, attracting international acclaim and bolstering an appreciation for the creative spirit of the region. Whether one is drawn to the intricate details of medieval illumination, the sweeping vistas of topographical prints, or the historical resonance of the library's archives, the institution provides a rich tapestry of visual and intellectual inspiration. It remains a dynamic force, shaping the future identity of Wales while remaining eternally anchored in its glorious, storied past.
