Lucy Lorimer’s Commentary:
After much research, I have decided that this would be a lovely apparatus to have in our little shop. I really do enjoy using pressure plates for making my prints and photographs, so this frame seems like an obvious choice. Under my apprenticeship with Mr. Russel, I was taught a variety of photography techniques. Using frames however, is one of my favorites, as it has a very involved process for creation.
I found this curious little advertisement while reading one of the books given to me by Mr. Russel. He appears to have taken a keen interest in my photography education lately, so I want to live up to his expectations. As of now, our little family shop is only just beginning to grow, so we may not be able to procure such fancy equipment, but once we find footing in the industry, new photography tools will be a necessity.
The claim that it is a “universal frame” is quite exciting. I am so used to having to use frames of different sizes to get different plates to print properly, so if this promise holds true, it shall be entirely worth it to have invested in such a device. Mr. Russel has recently allowed me to use some of the finer instruments in his collection for the sake of my learning, and I have grown rather fond of the more expensive devices. Perhaps he will help contribute to the financing of this frame, especially if I am able to convince him that it will tremendously help our expanding business.
Editorial Commentary:
This appears to be an advertisement for a sort of frame used for a type of photography similar to “Wet Collodion.” In this process, a glass plate would be covered in a solution of silver nitrate, potassium iodide, ferrous sulfate, and glacial acetic acid, among other chemicals, (Malley 75) in a darkroom, in order to expose the image or the negative of an image in the photograph making process. Within the ad, the “Ferro-Photograph” is mentioned. This process is very similar to the Collodion process, though it uses an iron plate as opposed to a glass plate. Despite this difference, frames for plates would be necessary for each process in order to develop negatives or positives of photographs. (Malley 75)
The owner of this “diary,” a young Lucy Lorimer, has a very strong desire for learning about the processes of photography. It is rather unique to see a woman of this time period take such an interest in pursuing a hobby based career, or rather any career at all. One would expect her to be pursuing a husband instead. The “Mr. Russel” appears to perhaps be a potential person of interest for her in this sense. For such a young girl to take such an involved interest in the financing of a tool such as this is very distinct. She is involved in the finance aspect, as well as the labor aspect of a business as well. For this time period, she is quite the progressive woman, as she has goals of her own that she is working for. Typically women of the time were only expected to be housewives, unconcerned with matters of finance, business, or a career. Yet Lucy seems to go against these ideals.
Sources:
Malley. Micro-photography : Including a Description of the Wet Collodion and Gelatino-bromide Processes, Published by H.K. Lewis. H.K. Lewis, 1883. Print.
Towler, John. The Negative and the Print : Or, the Photographer's Guide in the Gallery and in the Field. 1866. Print.