The extended moment: fifty years of collecting photographs at the National Gallery of Canada

Abstract

A sumptuous celebration of one of the world's most striking photograph collections from 1967 up to 2017. This publication celebrates fifty years of collecting photographs at the National Gallery of Canada. In 1967 when the collection was established the photography market was in its infancy and the collection reflects the availability of in depth collections of work by some of the forefathers of the medium such as Charles Nègre, William Henry Fox Talbot, Gustave Le Gray and Roger Fenton among others. Within a few short years of starting to build the collection the science of photographic preservation and conservation was making remarkable strides and influencing the acquisition and exhibition of photographs in museums. This publication celebrates the collecting of photographs, the historical and art historical context of their making and the deepening of our understanding of their physical nature.

Contents

Foreword -- In the right light, at the right time / Ann Thomas -- Conversations in time -- The art and science of invention -- Exploring and discovering -- An instrument of detection -- Advertising -- Portraying -- Creating new narratives -- Processes and formats / John McElhone -- Glossary -- Chronology: a collection in the making.