Toronto. In a recent post, I showed just one of the photographs owned by the National Gallery of Canada (NGC) and displayed in its exhibit of provocative and pivotal photographs.
In issue 19-3, editor Roseborough wrote an illustrated article about the NGC, its exhibit, and the people involved back in the early 1990s. His article begins, “High above the Rideau River on Sussex Drive, in Ottawa, Canada, commanding a view of Parliament Hill, stands a jewel like structure reflecting a shimmering sun from many facets of its glass dome.
“The magic of the moment is not lost on entering the building greeted by a long marble ramp flanked by columns ascending to the glass roof. A few more steps and we reach a gallery marked Magicians of Light.
“The heavy door admits us to a cool, humidity-controlled room, dimly lit in deference to the light-sensitive treasures. Each specimen is individually illuminated entirely adequately by filtered cool light to which our eyes rapidly respond.
“This first gallery contains some of the 129 daguerreotypes given by Phyllis Lambert, Director of the Canadian Centre for Architecture, Montreal. Ms. Lambert is a discerning collector who not only made the daguerreotype gift but also another of 280 Walker Evans photographs through the Phyllis Lambert Trust Fund.
“These daguerreotypes were first shown at the opening of the new National Gallery in 1988 as recorded in Intimate Images. The conservation work was performed by John McElhone, assisted by Anne Maheux and Marion Mertens–all of NGC Restoration and Conservation Laboratory.
“The National Gallery of Canada was among the first museums in the world to recognize photography as an art form when it organized, in 1934, a series of photography exhibitions. In 1967, under the directorship (1966-1976) of Jean Sutherland Boggs and with James Borcoman as its first Curator.”
And as usual, You can read the rest of editor Roseborough’s article in the paper copy of 19-3 or as a pdf on the free members-only DVD. Not a member? Join today (its easy)! See the MEMBERSHIP sub-menu above (form) and the article at right (PayPal). Send your cheque with the form or send the form and use a credit card/your PayPal account. Questions? Email Lilianne at member@phsc.ca.
