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Anita Douthat, Double Dummy With a Stole of Grapevines,
Photogramon gold-toned printing-out paper,1998
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W.H. Fox Talbot
William Henry Fox Talbot was born in England in 1800, and after his death in 1877 he was known as the "Father
of Photography." A scientist and inventor, Talbot invented the negative-positive photographic paper process.
By employing the camera obscura and developing a successful photo-chemical process for sensitizing paper, Talbot
formed the scientific foundation for the development of modern photography. Talbot's scientific interests in botany
and the natural phenomena of the world led to the first "photogenic drawings" or photograms as they are
referred to today. J.P. Ward states, "For Talbot photography was a manifestation of the wonders of nature,
as well as a working tool and a unique recording system." Talbot's accomplishments greatly influenced the
future of photography as a scientific and artistic tool.
-- Sara Cantrill
Notes
J.P. Ward, "Talbot, William Henry Fox," The Dictionary of Art, 1996 ed.
H.J.P. Arnold, William Henry Fox Talbot, Pioneer of Photography and Man of Science. Kodak
Unlimited, 1977.