Should anyone have the opportunity to volunteer at a local museum I would encourage you to do so without delay.
Not only is it an opportunity to donate a particular expertise if you so choose, it is also an occasion to learn new skill sets.
It is no secret that working with some of the oldest photo artefacts in Atlantic Canada awaits the volunteer at Dartmouth Heritage Museum. This was like dropping me into a kids candy store.
As has been written of widely, the museum Board of Directors not only gave me the latitude, but fully endorsed the construction of “The Rooms at Evergreen.” I have been making photos following the historic processes of “pure silver on glass” as COVID restrictions permit.
On this day, however, it was a special moment for me and the museum. Michelle – a student summer employee – is the first person to make a tintype following a brief demonstration. Michelle flowed the collodion, sensitized the plate with silver, made the exposure, developed and fixed without any interference from this grizzled old silver stained advisor. Her technique was almost flawless and the exposure and development was perfect!
A nod of appreciation is due the Dartmouth Heritage Museum, its Board and Supporters for making such events happen.
Well done, Michelle, and welcome to the family of “black-fingered photographers.”