Early in 2017 I was given the opportunity to curate The Talbot Archive.
This is a huge body of work on glass plate, medium format and 35mm negatives.
The photography catalogues Lancashire life from the 1930s through to the 1990s from Blackburn photographers Wally and Howard Talbot.
This collection forms a wonderful archive of local life that will increase in value as a vital piece of social documentary photography in a regional and national context.
The images show a level of dedication and technical skill that is extraordinary. The photography of Wally and Howard Talbot deserves to be enjoyed by the people of Blackburn now and for many years to come.
Curating this magnificent body of work involves:
- Individually scanning negatives
- Researching in depth the stories and facts behind the images.
- Curating exhibitions and conferences
- Making links with local history groups and liaising with Blackburn Library, who store the archive.
- Working with staff and students and University Centre Blackburn College.
Below is a small sample of the archive
All images shared with the permission of Mr Howard Talbot.
All images are copyright The Talbot Archive.
In 2018 the BBC recorded a thirty minute radio documentary, it featured Howard Talbot and Peter Graham. The resulting interview offers an in depth insight into the way that the Talbot's went about their craft and the challenges they met. We have added images to the documentary (with the permission of the BBC).
Link to The Talbot Collection on cotton town - http://www.cottontown.org/ImageGallery
