P is for permanent

artisan Robert Aguilar courtesy of the Guardian UK

Toronto. Past president of the PHSC, sports photographer, and author, Les Jones,  dropped me an email the other day. As an ex-pat from England, Les enjoys reading British papers.

A recent article in the Guardian by titled “‘Prints don’t lie’: a platinum printer’s craft – in pictures” captured his eye. The article’s preview says, “Photographer Christopher Thomond joins artisan printer Robert Aguilar to find out how he creates platinum palladium prints as he makes one of Alford Gardner, the Windrush pioneer who died in 2024, aged 98″.

Collectors of vintage prints as well as folks (a great many) still using film will enjoy the story of how one can make platinum photographic paper since the store bought variety hasn’t been around for decades now.

Posted in history | Tagged , , , , | Comments Off on P is for permanent

member number 5

Harol McNutt 1907 – 1995

Toronto. In the late 1960s/early 1970s, camera collecting and photo history became the rage. Societies were being formed, fairs held, books written, etc. Our society and its Toronto branch were founded in the fall of 1974. Amongst other things members were needed. Harold was one of the founding members and the first treasurer. His image at left was upscaled and cleaned up with Topaz AI and Focus Magic from a small image in the journal.

I lived in Montreal at the time. When I joined the PHSC in 1975, it had less than 100 members. My introduction to Harold came when I was asked to audit the Society books. The bills were very few and well organized. The whole task took about an hour. Harold once offered me a Leica and four lenses plus some filters, etc. in a camera case for $100. I declined at the time, only to catch the collecting bug a few years later and buy similar items for many times more.

On his death, the late Bill Belier wrote the following ‘in memoriam’ to Harold in issue 21-4: “Harold McNutt, one of the founding members of the P.H.S.C. (membership No. 5) died peacefully in Toronto on Novembe12th [1995]. in his 89th year. It would be almost impossible to attempt to chronicle Harold‘s contributions and accomplishments as member of our Society.

“We are fortunateindeed. that Bob Lansdale intervieweHarold only six years ago [1990] and produced an excellent article entitled ‘Portrait of a Collector’ [issue 15-2] in which Harold reminisces about his early days in Nova Scotia, his career with Imperial Oil, and his fascination with photography in generaand with cameras in particular. 

“He was born in Truro N.S. and prioto joining Imperial Oil, about 1927, hataught in one room school houses in remote Nova Scotia fishing ports. Hicareer with Imperial Oil, not surprisingly, would lead him into management. Harolwas very proud of having served the war effort by supervising the highly secreloading of Allied tankers at Dartmouth that were scheduled to sail with thAtlantic convoys to Britain during WW2.

By 1948 he was transferred to ImperialToronto operation and was instrumental in encouraging the Company, as early as the mid 1950s, to enter the ‘computer age’ when electronic record keeping was still in its infancy. After 42 years service with Imperial, Harold retired in 1970. Harold will be remembered as one of our most avid collectors of photographica and for his painstaking restoration projects.

“Harold had other pursuits. Hwas an avid gardener and took pride in hiflower gardens and shrubs. He was aaward winning amateur still-life painter, he travelled extensively after retirement and produced slide travelogue programs for the enjoyment of shut-ins. He read extensively and enjoyed handymaprojects around his home. Harold simpldid not  have the time to grow old.

“Although he continued to reside in Toronto after retirement he never lostouch with Nova Scotia. The McNuttwere frequent visitors to the Maritimprovinces and were justly proud of their heritage.

“Those of us who knew Harold well are richer for the experience. It was my privilege to be numbered amongst hifriends. He will be missed, but lonrememberedHarold is survived by his wife. Hildahis daughter Barbara, and his two grandchildren, Allison and David Booz.”

Posted in history | Tagged , , | Comments Off on member number 5

lets go to the parade …

a 1935 parade – cover photo
issue 21-4 (Jan 1996)

Toronto. Ev Roseborough used this photograph as his cover shot on issue 21-4. Unfortunately he makes no other mention of the photograph in this issue ( eg. photographer (himself?), location, situation, etc.).

Such a puzzle is common to Photograph Collectors if the photograph’s subject is not recognized as famous, there is no studio or photographer identification,  or no one has chosen to write details on the photo’s back.

The details of this particular photo are lost in the mists of time (unless a reader recognizes the scene or impact of the date). Speaking of a date, be sure to visit our events this year – you may find something interesting!

Once confirmed, the dates and venues are posted to the right under PHSC EVENTS and a dedicated post will go up as the date grows closer. Meantime, enjoy the snow 🙂

 

Posted in activities | Tagged , , | Comments Off on lets go to the parade …

a naughty portrait …

Portrait of Mary Ellen Crysler, albumen print (tinted)- original print is 45 x 36cm. William Notman & Son Studio, 1895

Toronto. We have the Black Creek Pioneer Village here while similar attractions exist elsewhere in our province like the village near Morrisburg.

So what has this to do with photography? Well, some works of photographer and studio owner, William Notman, (famous around Montreal and beyond) are housed in the Upper Canada Village (UCV). The UCV with its archives has some photographic items, like the one at left of Ms Crysler.

In issue 21-4, Ev published an article by Jack Schecter titled, “Upper Canada Village Reference Library and Archives Photograph Collection”. Jack begins his article, “The Upper Canada Village Reference library and Archives near Morrisburg, Ont. is a little-known resource centre which contains modern and antiquarian books. manuscripts and photographs from the 19th and 20th century.

“It is part of Upper Canada Village, a living historsite containing about 40 buildings representing a typical small ruracommunity of eastern Ontario in th1860’s. The library is used by our staff of costumed interpreters to research primarand secondary sources to answequestions from the public and ensure absolute authenticity on our site.

“The inquiries received by the library are varied- what goods were sold in thgeneral store, what type of clothing did women wear in the 1860’s, details on the Battle of Crysler’s Farm and many others.

“The library is also used by historicaresearchers. museum workers, authors, students. genealogists and otherinterested in the social and economihistory of eastern Ontario.

“One of thdistinctive sights in the library is ainterpreter in historic costume with researcher in modern clothing examinindocuments or using the library computer.

To read the rest of this article and more, go to the member-free DVD. The issue 21-4 pdf has this and the other articles from January 1996. To join, see the menu item ‘MEMBERSHIP’ above (cheque) and at right (credit card and PayPal). Email Lilianne (member@phsc.ca) if you have questions. Please indicate if your membership is NEW or a RENEWAL. Thanks.

Posted in activities | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on a naughty portrait …

dog days

Dog days of summer in Southern Ontario c1985

Toronto. One logical category for photo collectors is pets. Another is children.

The photo at left is likely too modern for most collectors but it illustrates the categories nicely.

We all know about the dog days of summer when it is too warm to be very active. The little girl at left with her dog is sitting in the shade, carefully tying her laces.

Those wishing to add to their collections, or other curious folk, should visit our events this year. As dates and venues are firmed up, the event is listed here to the right under “PHSC EVENTS”. As the date of each event approaches, a post will be pinned to page one of this site.

Come out and enjoy the fun – usually we have free parking and good food for all. Admission is modest (or even free for some events).

Posted in activities | Tagged , , | Comments Off on dog days

a weird little camera …

a strange little camera using unperforated 35mm (?) film – seen at the fall 1995 fair

Toronto. … from a fair nearly three decades ago. The photographs and text by Bob Lnsdale appear in issue 21-4.

The writing for this camera says, “Mystery ‘Argus’ camera which has brevittato stamped on the front (Italian for patented). With an Equator anastigmat f/6.3 50 mm Koristka lens, used unperforated film. Chris Hale thinks it might have been made by Kraus.”

Unfortunately, McKeowns do not list the little camera as an Argus model. Since Koristka is an Italian lens, the cameras is likely Italian as the patent stamp suggests. the small image is from issue 21-4 while the large image is the journal photo upscaled in Topaz Photo AI which has a ways to go. It’s getting there … slowly (some upscales are extraordinarily well done).

Check out our events for this or other unusual cameras. Dates and locations are posted at right. Closer to each date I will pin a special post to the front page of this site.

Posted in history | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on a weird little camera …

horse sense

farm horses on a Kodak autographic print (early 20th century)

Toronto.  Photo collectors sometimes choose pet/animal photos like these farm horses.

Others may collect special prints like this Kodak Autographic print marked “dinner time”.

A little ‘horse sense’ goes a long way in deciding if a particular photo would close a gap in a collection. This photo may be too new or poorly exposed for some, but the fact it is Autographic, outdoors, work related, etc. may make the print desirable. Perhaps it could be a filler, ready for trade if a better photo is found.

Visit our events this year and see what you can pick up to augment your cache of prints, cameras, accessories, etc. Check the right sidebar for dates and venues. I will pin a post closer to each event. Sensible?

Posted in events | Tagged , , , , , | Comments Off on horse sense

photos and postcards down south

Photo and Postcard show on March 9, 2025 in Washington DC

Toronto. The Daguerreian Society sells ads for products of interest to members. In this recent case, photos and postcards are on offer at the Marriot Hotel, Dulles Airport, Washington DC.

The write-up states, “Presented by Mary Martin Ltd., this highly anticipated event brings together collectors, enthusiasts and photographers who share a profound passion for preserving and appreciating vintage photography.

Highlights:

  • Explore an impressive selection of timeless, vintage photographs, postcards and Civil War collectables
  • Engage with leading exhibitors from around the world, each presenting their curated collection of antiques
  • Free appraisals

Show Schedule:

Postcard Room: 8:30am – 4pm. Tickets $7
Photo and Civil War Room: 10am – 4pm

Early admission to Photo & Civil War Room, $25 – 8:30am

Students with a valid school ID enjoy free general admission

For general information and Photo show questions, please contact:

Mary L. Martin Ltd.
410-939-0999″

Posted in activities-other | Tagged , | Comments Off on photos and postcards down south

man of la mancha

tilting at windmills

Toronto. Photo collectors revel in well illuminated, correctly exposed and framed old photos from daguerreotypes to paper prints.

In the 1960s, I had the pleasure of attending a performance of   ‘Man of La Mancha‘ at O’Keefe Centre here in the big smoke. The simple stage settings were cleverly combined with  a lighting technique that was just short of magic.

To this day, the last scene remains burned in my memory. The stage lighting carefully shifts your eye from Don Quixote’s dream to the reality of his prison. All this takes place during the infamous Spanish Inquisition. In his dreams, Don Quixote reminisces how he and side kick Sancho, go off on adventures such as tilting at windmills (Quixote thinks they are enemies) only to come crashing back to reality and their prison cell.

Photo collectors can learn about the power of lighting by attending such performances. Lighting knowledge can be put to good use at one of our events this year to discriminate amongst the many photos offered to carefully add just those special images to their collection.

Posted in events | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on man of la mancha

remember when? Exec meeting by ZOOM #55

PHSC President
Clint Hryhorijiw

Toronto. … How time flies! February 5th was our 55th executive meeting by ZOOM. Clint has honed in on two dates for the spring auction, but a firm date has not been set. The venue will likely be the Long Branch Legion Hall as before.

Our meeting began with a brief comment on PHSC financials by long time member and one time treasurer Judy Rauliuk (CA). Her insightful suggestions will be reviewed by a sub-committee and reported back next month.

Treasurer John Morden sent out his report before the meeting  and provided a summary of last month’s cash flows. John is in the process of simplifying our banking structure.

Editor Patrick Gunn’s  first newsletter, 25-1 featuring a new style and number sequence was released last month.  Issue 25-2 will be out later in February.

John Allman has generously taken on the O3C representation for now. John is a long time PHSC member as well as being actively involved in other photography clubs including the O3C.

Membership Secretary Lilianne Schneider issued both a monthly report and a trio of detailed membership reports from her spreadsheet records. She requested a change to the website to ensure memberships are clearly marked as NEW or RENEWAL to aid in routine distribution of the member-only DVD to NEW members.

Just to repeat, our journal is in ‘pdf format only’, so an email address is essential. A MailChimp notification is sent to all member emails when each journal pdf is produced and uploaded.

Important: if  you have UNSUBSCRIBED to our list, you will not receive notification nor Photographic Canadiana nor other info. MailChimp does not permit me to reinstate a specific email address once unsubscribed by the owner. Renewal of such addresses are only possible via a form, not on our site.

Also, if you change email addresses, please tell us – MailChimp will tag the old address as CLEANED (they cannot add your new address automatically). If you are a member but HAVE NOT seen any notification for Photographic Canadiana since you registered or renewed, please email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.

Celio Barreto reports that the January talk by speaker  Janine Freeston, of Oxford, UK was well received with all seats offered on Eventbrite sold out. As new speakers are announced, details will be posted here. Celio initiated an investigation in ways to streamline access to our presentations, noting some people registered twice (and the odd one 3 times) on Eventbrite.

Social media editor, Ms Markovic was unavailable, but emailed a brief update.

PHSC January 2020 Executive – courtesy of David Lawson

Posted in activities | Tagged | Comments Off on remember when? Exec meeting by ZOOM #55