22 Comments

Much enjoyed this Neil. I read it while breakfasting about three miles from Lacock. As others have said the Fox Talbot museum there is very well worth a visit and if you do bring your camera you can also capture your own image of 'that' window.

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Thanks Harry! Hope you’re having a good time down there. The abbey looks totally the same as in Talbot’s photographs.

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Nostalgic visit Neil, meeting with friends and ex-colleagues. I lived in Chippenham near Lacock at the end of my career for a few years. Currently heading home to the northeast, courtesy of Cross Country trains ...

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I love a long train journey. Enjoy!

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I have a photo of that window!

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So have I, but it's not as good as yours. 😊

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Nice. Thank you. I visited the work of Talbot in art history classes, this was a much more fun read! Now, one might ask..... are you taking the summer off, or happily idling away while contemplating your next invention?

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Thank you. Idling. All will be revealed!

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Top stuff. Drop me a line nearer the time

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Enjoyed reading this, Neil. Especially as our photo group is having a bimble around nearby Lacock in a couple of weeks.

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Wonderful. Very jealous.

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Great read Neil! I'm starting my lecture on the history of food photography with a still life from The Pencil of Nature. I'm glad to see more about that book here.

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Thanks Xavi. The whole book is fascinating. I think there are only 20 or so original copies and one of them is in Glasgow University libraries special collection so may be possible to see it in person.

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Good. Neil the book link doesn’t work.Also, paradoxically, Anna Atkins (friend of Talbot by other side) published his book “Photographs of British Algae: Cyanotype Impressions” one year earlier than Talbot

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Thank you. Will fix that link to Project Gutenberg. I will take a look at the Atkins book. I am fascinated by the Cyanotype revival and yours in particular.

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Many thanks!

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A good read … I’ve shared it with my friend in Drumnadrochit( a keen photographer)!

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Thank you!

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Always happy to wait for good quality writing - no rush! Best wishes from sleepy Wiltshire: I live just down the road from Lacock, and very much recommend a visit if you haven't been. Bring your camera... it's a lovely estate.

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I have it on my list to visit Andrew (also in these comments) when I am next down in the South West and will definitely include a trip to Lacock Abbey and try and meet.

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I would happily join you. I am in Bradford in Avon - an easy train or bus ride from Bath. There are all sorts of nice pubs to choose from, too, on the off chance anyone needs a sharpener before going home...

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You’re on.

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