Archived posting to the Leica Users Group, 2003/02/18
[Author Prev] [Author Next] [Thread Prev] [Thread Next] [Author Index] [Topic Index] [Home] [Search]This came by in email, and I thought the assembled company might enjoy it -- I don't recall its having been seen here before. I can't vouch for its authenticity... - -------------------------------------- A LETTER TO "THE TIMES" (January 1851) Sir, I beg to bring to your notice the serious harm likely to come from the increasing popularity of photography. Since Mr. Talbot and Mons. Daguerre perfected their processes for fixing a living image on paper a few years ago, there has been an alarming increase in the popularity of this un-natural pastime. The stage has now been reached when permanent damage is likely to inflicted not only on paintings, engravings and the arts in general, but upon industry, manners and the home itself. Already, I have been informed, the fascinations of the photograph albums are having their effect on thousands of children who could be better employed in the pit or mill: and I can myself vouch unhappily from my own family circle that idleness and vanity are encouraged by the constant posing for portraits, and the subsequent poring over them in unhealthy crouching attitudes. I beg to subscribe myself, Sir, your obedient servant, Patrick Lawrence, Old Vicarage, Shinfield, Berkshire - -- To unsubscribe, see http://mejac.palo-alto.ca.us/leica-users/unsub.html