The First Photograph - Harry Ransom Center - The University of ...

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announced his improved photographic technique,the “daguerreotype.” Niépce’s role in photography’sinvention was overshadowed by Daguerre and bythe Englishman William Henry Fox Talbot, whoannounced his own photographic process in 1839.Re-Discovery of the HeliographAfter a public display in an exhibition in Londonin 1898, Niépce’s heliograph lay in obscurity forover 50 years, forgotten by its owners. In 1952 thephotography historian Helmut Gernsheim was ableto establish the plate’s history and discover wheredescendants of the heliograph’s last owner hadstored it. Through his subsequent publications,Gernsheim returned Niépce to his rightful place as theinventor of photography. When Harry Huntt Ransompurchased Gernsheim’s photography collectionin 1963, Gernsheim donated Niépce’s heliograph.Today, View from the Window at Le Gras—the world’searliest successful photograph from nature—is onpermanent display at the Ransom Center.Analysis and PreservationIn collaboration with the Ransom Center in 2002,the Getty Conservation Institute conducted thefirst scientific study of the heliograph’s materialmakeup, determined its state of conservation, andrepaired the original gilt wood frame. The GettyConservation Institute also designed and constructeda new protective case for the heliograph, whichprovides constant monitoring of its condition andenvironment.
The First Photograph is onpermanent display at theHarry Ransom Center.The Harry Ransom Center is an internationallyrenowned humanities research library and museum.Its extensive holdings provide a unique record of thecreative process of writers and artists, deepeningour understanding of literature, photography, film,art, and the performing arts. Thousands of scholars,students, and cultural enthusiasts from around theworld study materials from the collections each year.These collections also inspire original exhibitionsand programs that offer visitors opportunity forenrichment, discovery, and delight. The RansomCenter advances the study of the arts and humanitiesand fosters an environment where culture thrives.
Page 3: eight hours, he removed the plate a

The First Photograph - Harry Ransom Center - The University of ...

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