Tintypes, Daguerreotypes and Ambrotypes

Here are some sample scans from our selection of tintypes, Daguerreotypes, and ambrotypes. The associated catalog records are shown, followed by an article printed in Datalink Newsletter. These "Case Art" items demonstrate the value of our large format camera, which is able to capture not only the image, but also the ornate fabric and metal cases.

from: Datalink Newsletter Issue 113-114.

FROM DAGUERREOTYPE TO DIGITAL FILE:
WHAT'S OLD AND WHAT'S NEW AT DPL

Jennifer Thom (Curator of Photography) Eric Havelock-Bailie (Digital Imaging Technician)

The Denver Public Library has been busy adding new images to its website at http://photoswest.org. The database, which includes close to 100,000 digital images and item level catalog records, has been a favorite with researchers, students, editors and video makers since its debut in January 1999. To date, more than 739,000 people from around the world have visited the site! The Library recently added to the on-line collection approximately 250 tintypes, ambrotypes, and daguerreotypes of Colorado pioneers and their families. These early photographic artifacts are often extremely fragile and difficult to view. For example, daguerreotypes have a mirror like surface which reflects light in such a way that the image is often obscured, especially if it is faded.

Scanning these unusual artifacts was made possible with the addition of an oversize camera in the digital lab. The camera, designed and constructed by former project manager Raymond Clark, consists of a traditional 4" x 5" view camera, a digital back, cool burning lights used by the motion picture industry, and a 13' camera stand that weighs more than 3,000 pounds.

Eric Havelock-Bailie, the technician who scanned the "types," says the biggest challenge was getting the details on the elaborate cases and the image itself into focus. Pre-set software settings did not meet his quality standards and he carefully adjusted each scan. Although it would have been easier to scan the image only, the Library decided to allow online users to view the beautiful designs and fabrics found in the cases. Each item was scanned in full color so that online users can appreciate the red velvet, gold leaf and, in some cases, delicately hand-tinted faces of the subjects. Each scan took several minutes to complete and the camera stand sits on four shock absorbing, air compression feet to eliminate vibration during exposure. Any vibration would ruin the scan and require the technician to start over.

The expression "more than meets the eye" describes what happened when the Library scanned these early photographs. Many of the original images are difficult or impossible to view with the naked eye in normal light. When they were positioned under the camera lights, these images jumped out. For researchers looking for details, viewing the images online is actually superior to viewing the real thing. Customers using workstations at the Denver Public Library's Central Library or at the Colorado Historical Society Library are able to zoom into images and examine fine details such as cameo designs. While scanning the collection, Havelock-Bailie was struck by the "aliveness" of the people. These images run counter to the stereotype that 19th century portraits are frozen and joyless.

The collection has been especially popular with genealogists who are excited to learn about items that are similar to their family treasures. James Jeffrey, Genealogy Specialist at the Denver Public Library says: "What is so exciting for me is being able to show the family historian examples of images from the whole spectrum of photography. Now, in addition to the cabinet cards and cartes de visite, we have samples of some of the earliest portraits. Our customers use the database hoping to find an image of their relative or to compare their own photographs. They examine hairstyles and dress in our photos in the hopes of dating their own heirlooms."

With the early portrait photography project completed, the Denver Public Library's digitization lab has turned its attention to providing online access to oversize photographs, maps and artwork. Highlights include birds-eye maps of Colorado, the watercolors of 20th century artist Herndon Davis, and the outstanding work of California photographer Carlton Watkins. Fans of William Henry Jackson's work are anxiously awaiting the completion of a collaborative grant with the Colorado Historical Society. Through this grant, the sample albums owned by the Library and the mammoth glass plates owned by the Colorado Historical Society will be digitally re-united on the web site. Researchers will be able to compare the original negatives with the final prints that reflect the magic of the darkroom.

Viola and Ella Vanzant (X-19575)