No.2 Kodak

This is a rather vulgar scan of the No2 Kodak print I recent bought at auction – she’s charming isn’t she? The original is subtly faded now and not as contrasty as this reproduction. The circular print will probably date from 1890-1897.

Kodak’s first roll-film camera – the No.1 produced slightly smaller circular images than this which is 3 1/2 inch diameter. The subject seems to be sitting on a post to which the gate it attached by a chain.

Philistines

I read in our local paper and hear from friends that the local campus of Newcastle College is to close for redevelopment and many of the teaching staff made redundant. The art and photography ‘leisure’ courses are to be canned, freeing up the large art studio for refitting as a salon where hairdressing can be taught. A spokesman for the college said they: “had been forced to act following the re-channelling of Government funding towards recognised qualifications and the training needs of businesses.” All hail the market economy – I wonder how many 16-18 year old boys will be training in the new facility?

My online dictionary gives the perfect definition. philistine a person who is hostile or indifferent to culture and the arts, or who has no understanding of them : [as adj. ] a philistine government.

Polaroid – no saviour

Though there was really no hope for Polaroid colour or integral print material, it could have been hoped that some of the black-and-white product - especially Type 55 neg/pos film – could have been licensed to others for production.

Sadly, HARMAN technology Ltd (Ilford) has now issued a press release quoting chairman and MD saying: “it would require substantial investment to re-establish (production) at HARMAN technology’s site in Cheshire, England. When compared with current and projected sales for the products, it was clear that such an investment could not be justified”.

So it really is all over.