Masterprints from 31 Studio

Platinum, the new exhibition in the Fox Talbot Museum in Lacock, features work by world renowned photographers, from Alvin Langdon Coburn, Jacques Henri Lartigue to Bryan Adams. But the unexpected stars of the show are the printers behind each photograph, the master printers of 31 Studio, and the platinum prints themselves.

Many of the photographs might be familiar to you, and the exhibition is a rare chance to see these images in the fine art of a platinum print.

Throughout history most photographers used the traditional method of silver printing for their photographs, which is still used today, alongside the rise of digital photography. But this exhibition features only platinum prints, a rare art only rediscovered in the 1970s and perfected by Max and Paul Caffell from 31 Studio in Gloucestershire.

Platinum prints are monochrome, with an extended tonal range, bringing greater depth and resolution to the photograph. You could compare the difference between a silver and platinum print to a string quartet and symphony orchestra – both produce beautiful art, but an orchestra can offer so many more nuances.

The show continues until 12 July 2015.

 

National Trust – Fox Talbot Museum