Umetnik
Mesto rođenja Oneonta, SAD
Carleton Watkins: Pionir pejzažne fotografije
Rani život i poreklo (1829–1851)
Rođen: 11. novembra 1829. godine u Oneontama, New York.
Carleton E. Watkins bio je najstariji od osam dece koje su rodili John i Julia Watkins, stolar i domaćica, odnosno vlasnica mehanata.
Odslikao je svoje detinjstvo u prirodi, razvijajući veštine lovca i ribolovca, dok je učestvovao u lokalnim aktivnostima poput muškog pevačkog društva i prezbiterijanskog crkvenog хора.
Godine 1851, vođen obećanjem bogatstva, Watkins je zajedno sa svojim prijateljem iz detinjstva, Collisom Huntingtonom, krenuo u putovanje ka San Franciscu.
Rana karijera i fotografski počeci (1851–1861)
Iako početno nisu uspeli u potrazi za zlatom, i Watkins i Huntington pronašli su uspeh u svojim srodnim oblastima.
Watkins je počeo da radi kao isporučivač zaliha za rudarske operacije, pre nego što je postao prodavac u knjižari Georgea Murrayja.
Ključni trenutak: Neočekivano slobodno mesto u studiju dagereotipiste Roberta H. Vancea dovelo je Watkinsa na praku, uprkos tome što nije imao prethodnog fotografskog iskustva.
Brzo je ovladao ovom umetnošću, nadmašujući svog instruktora i izgradivši reputaciju zasnovanu na kvalitetnom radu.
Do 1858. godine, Watkins je osnovao sopstveni fotografski biznis, preuzimajući poslove poput ilustrovanja Kalifornije za Jamesa Masona Hutchingsa i dokumentovanja rudarskih imanja.
Yosemite i era "Mammoth" ploča (1861–1867)
Preokret: U julu 1861. godine, Watkins je otputovao u dolinu Yosemite, opremljen svojim aparatom za "mammoth" ploče (koji je koristio staklene ploče dimenzija 18x2mnih) i stereoskopskim aparatom.
Uspeo je da zabeleži neke od prvih detaljnih fotografija Yosemiteja, predstavljajući njegov veličanstveni prizor istočnoj publici.
Ove slike bile su presudne u ubeđivanju Kongresa da očuva dolinu Yosemite kao nacionalni park – što je svedočanstvo moći vizuelne dokumentacije.
Godine 1864, dobio je angažman od Geološkog istražnog zavoda Kalifornije za fotografisanje Yosemiteja.
Svoju prvu javnu galeriju otvorio je 1867. godine i izlagao na Univerzalnom izložbi u Parizu, gde je osvojio medalju za svoj rad.
Uspeh, neuspesi i kasniji život (1867–1916)
Watkinsova „Yosemite Art Gallery“ prikazivala je preko stotinu velikih prizora Pacifičke obale i hiljade stereoskopskih slika.
Poslovni izazovi: Uprkos umetničkom uspehu, Watkins se borio sa poslovnim upravljanjem i izgubio je svoju galeriju poveriocu J.J. Cooku, koji je potom reprodukovao njegov rad bez priznanja autorskih prava, zbog nedostatka zakona o autorskim pravima za fotografije u to vreme.
ut
Na to je reagovao kreiranjem „Nove serije“ slika, pokušavajući da povrati svoju umetničku viziju.
Watkins se oženio Frances Sneed 1879. godine i imao dvoje dece: Juliju (rođenu 1881) i Collisa (rođenog 1883).
Postupni gubitak vida ometao je njegov rad 1890-ih, što je kulminiralo nemogućnošću da završi angažman za Phoebe Hearst.
Poslednje godine i nasleđe
Finansijski problemi primorali su porodicu Watkins da osamnaest meseci živi u železničkom vagonu.
Zemljotres i požar u San Franciscu 1906. godine uništili su njegov studio, zajedno sa 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 sahranjen je u neobeleženom grobu na bolničkom zemljištu.
Watkinsovo nasleđe opstaje kao pionira pejzažne fotografije, čije su slike ne samo zabeležile lepotu američkog Zapada, već i odigrale ključnu ulogu u njegovoj očuvanju.
Muzej
Prikazano 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.
