You may have noticed a quirk of life—initial disappointments invariably turn out to be suppliers of the best possible outcomes…

As part of my research into alternative printing processes using Digital Negatives, it has been on my list for a while to visit Bradford’s National Media Museum and, in particular, to see the work of Frederick H. Evans.

The press coverage has been widespread but alarm bells rang when the exhibition was nowhere to be seen on the NMM’s website.

A quick phone call confirmed that the tour wouldn’t reach the gallery after all. On the face of it, one of life’s disappointments.

Instead, however, the very helpful Ruth Kitchin at Insight, the Research Centre within the NMM, suggested an appointment to spend a couple of hours viewing the prints in the flesh.

What a treat this turned out to be, a very special afternoon…

Frederick H. Evans, 'Lincoln Cathedral: Stairway in the South West Turret'

Perhaps the most famous image by Frederick H. Evans, 'Sea of Steps'

The beauty of Evans’ Platinum/Palladium and Photogravure prints verges on the indescribable. They command extraordinary depth, space and timelessness.

And then? A trolley brought forward carrying prints by Peter Henry Emerson, famous for his beautiful imagery depiciting working life in and around The Fens.

Peter Henry Emerson, 'Setting the Bow Net'

To anyone working within the photographic industry, particularly in the digital era of instant gratification, this is surely an invaluable experience—to be reminded of the roots of our trade. Not only the recognition of a beautiful photographic print but also the understanding and realisation of true craftsmanship.

In appreciating this art-form, very little compares to seeing the fountain pen signature of a famous photographer accompanied by a date in the 1800′s…

Anybody can visit Insight by appointment and view works form their huge collection. Of course, most museums around the country have this facility too and, if you haven’t already, it’s one that you must try some time…

Richard Freestone with a print by Frederick H. Evans

Back in June, I posted the great news that Alec Finlay has made the shortlist for this year’s Northern Art Prize, which I attended at the Leeds Art Gallery last night.

A collaboration between the two of us, ‘Apple Wheel’, forms one of his show-pieces.

I also particularly enjoyed ‘Mesostic Remedy, 2008′—Alec is a man after my own heart when it comes to detail and finishing…

It was fantastic to see the print I made for the show—a special one metre wide version—nestled among the other entries and so generously credited to the two of us.

'Apple Wheel' by Alec Finlay & Jack Lowe at the Northern Art Prize 2010

The print, made on Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308gsm with HP’s DJz3200, caught many an eye.

Congratulations once again, Alec, and we look forward to January for the announcement of the winner. Good luck!

The exhibition runs until February, so do make the time to visit if you can…

'Apple Wheel'

In 2007, I was struck by the work of Dan Holdsworth after seeing his show At The Edge of Space, Parts 1-3 in Edinburgh.

The huge C-Types of a Puerto Rican radio telescope will stay with me for a long time.

I only wish I’d bought his book whilst I was there.  Now out of print, it sells for rather a lot more money than the asking price in 2007…!

Eighteen months after first meeting and working with Dan, I now find myself in the privileged position of making the Limited Edition prints for his exhibition ‘Blackout‘, now showing at the BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art.

One of the Pieces from Dan Holdsworth's 'Blackout' Exhibition at BALTIC

The Limited Edition of 100 Archival Pigment Prints are made with HP’s Vivera Pigment inks on Hahnemühle Photo Rag 308gsm and will shortly be on sale at BALTIC.

The show runs until 20th February 2011.