View Full Version : Frank Meadow Sutcliffe - The Grandaddy of Photography? - Wow!
sideshowbob
20-09-2005, 08:18
I was watching a regional programme last night and it had a whole piece about a photographer called Frank Meadow Sutcliffe and his work around Whitby and North Yorkshire in the late 1800 and first half of the 1900s - I was absolutely amazed at the quality of his pictures, particularly the light, and the candids are amazing (considering he was shooting onto glass plates).
Have a gander at the Sutcliffe Gallery (http://www.sutcliffe-gallery.co.uk/acatalog/index.htm?http%3A//www.sutcliffe-gallery.co.uk/acatalog/catalogbody.html&CatalogBody). Unfortunately the picture sizes are relatively small, but you get my gist. There are more here but not the best selection I've seen (http://www.nmpft.org.uk/insight/collectiononline_selection.asp?exid=40)
I think I might have to go to Whitby to have a closer gander.
I've seen some of his work and he did take some amazing photographs. Many seem to have an 'other-worldly' quality about them.
Mike.
puddleduck
20-09-2005, 08:38
I always find it really humbling looking at this older stuff - we may have all the gear, metering / AF and what-not but the shots these guys were pulling off 150 years ago is pretty amazing.
I know I'm considered a bit old fashioned in these parts liking film 'n' all but there is just "something" that these old plates and acetates do that I just don't think digital (or photoshop plugins - BLEURGH!) can match.
Keiron99
20-09-2005, 08:38
Fantastic pictures. Just goes to show the obsession with gadgetry, megapixels and all these superfluous buttons and byzantine menus on digicams is all a distraction.
Fantastic pictures. Just goes to show the obsession with gadgetry, megapixels and all these superfluous buttons and byzantine menus on digicams is all a distraction.
Very true.
Wow, the photos are impressive.
I like the fact at the Sutcliffe Gallery you can buy 8 x 10 prints for £7.99 of his work, I may order a couple. A photography buddy of mine has just moved to Yorkshire, so I'll point him in the direction of the gallery.
lol would you believe it, was just admiring his work when I realised I have one of his prints and didn't even know it!!!!! Picked up a framed copy of 'Jet Workers at Whitby' at a car boot sale years ago.... even has a Sutcliffe gallery sticker on the back.
sideshowbob
20-09-2005, 10:20
Very true.
Wow, the photos are impressive.
I like the fact at the Sutcliffe Gallery you can buy 8 x 10 prints for £7.99 of his work, I may order a couple. A photography buddy of mine has just moved to Yorkshire, so I'll point him in the direction of the gallery.
Their site says if you buy three prints you get one free (http://www.sutcliffe-gallery.co.uk/acatalog/index.htm?http%3A//www.sutcliffe-gallery.co.uk/acatalog/catalogbody.html&CatalogBody) :) It might be worth ringing them to find out what you get free.
I emailed the website to ask that very question.
sideshowbob
20-09-2005, 16:40
I'd be interested to hear what they say - I'm tempted to get some too.
Radiohead
20-09-2005, 17:43
Spooky - my Grandad has all of this chaps books and I was looking at them last month. Fantastic stuff.
still average joe
20-09-2005, 18:54
Some say that these guys are the true fathers of photography.
Hill and Adamson (http://special.lib.gla.ac.uk/hillandadamson/)
I'd be interested to hear what they say - I'm tempted to get some too.
Email back:
Dear Mr Boink!,
The free print is one of your choosing which can be made from the full range illustrated on our web site.
However, we are experiencing difficulties with our site at the moment and you may find it hard to place an order. If you care to fax your order to us with credit card details I can assure you that it will be safe as all faxes come direct to me. Our fax number is 01947 820 287.
Yours sincerely,
Mike Shaw
So the extra print is any one you choose, which is great.
Jon
sideshowbob
21-09-2005, 09:32
Coolio!
stormywhether
21-09-2005, 10:32
Absolutely amazing stuff.
Whitby and Robin Hood's Bay have long been among my most favourite places in all of the UK.
These pictures send shivers down my spine. It's beautiful to find that RHB is untouched after all those years, and that Whitby and its Abbey still have the magic of years gone by.
Time for a re-visit I think.
Keiron99
21-09-2005, 12:26
Whitby's great for a visit in the autumn and winter. It's worth it just for fish and chips at the Magpie Cafe!
sideshowbob
21-09-2005, 12:27
I swear I got a battered basking shark when I ordered haddock - it was huge!
Whitby's great for a visit in the autumn and winter. It's worth it just for fish and chips at the Magpie Cafe!
Damn, I'm on a heathy food kick at the moment, but reading that has given me a craving for fish 'n chips. :(
stormywhether
21-09-2005, 13:57
The world has gone fish mad! First a mass fish finger gorging session, now the real thing.
I thought the Magpie was vastly overrated. There's a superb fryer down the back streets sort of behind The Elsinore pub. Failing that The Dolphin always satisfies.
Mmmm - salty vinegary chips, lots of em, washed down with a pint of Owd Wretch in The Shambles, overlooking the harbour and cossetted in one of its ample leather sofas.
Deeevine.
sideshowbob
21-09-2005, 14:40
Email back:
So the extra print is any one you choose, which is great.
Jon
Which ones did you go for then? I still can't decide.
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