On 25/3/06, frank theriault, discombobulated, unleashed: >http://www.photo.net/photodb/folder?folder_id=585048 > >When I was a kid growing up in the late 50's and early 60's, apartment >buildings had names. Often in gold-leaf lettering on the main doors, >of as some sort of prominent signage on the front wall, it seemed that >every building had a name. > >That trend seems to be over now, as new rental apartment buildings >seem to be decidedly lower class affairs, not worthy of going to all >the trouble of being named > >Such nomenclature seems anachronistic and quaint to me now, as do the >names themselves: "mansions" and "courts" abound in the older parts >of Toronto, and names such as "The Sussex", "The Avalon" and "The >Merlin" tell of headier days, when sophisitcated urbanites inhabited >these grand residences. > >Most of them are crumbling now, their days of glory long since having past. > >I've taken a few photos (never printed) with various 35mm cameras, but >back when my shoulder injury forced me to use my waist-level >viewfindered Yashicamat, it occured to me that doing a series of these >old places in 6x6 medium format, taken with a 50 year old camera might >be kind of interesting. > >I've only taken about 2 rolls so far, and I'll be getting at least one >print per week done up. These are my first two (but by all means they >may not make it into the final series - however big this series may >end up). > >Any comments WRT these first two photos, and the idea for the series >generally, are appreciated.
(Entire post quoted for good reason). Frank, whenever you write, it has character and depth. You really should consider submitting some work (pictures and/or words) in this regard. The idea of the series is an excellent one and you should definitely go for it. Get some info on history (long-time residents / local historians etc) and pen a few hundred words about each building. I find things like this fascinating. I have a great book you would love - get it if you can. I'll do a quick search... <http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0140139966/sr=8-1/qid=1143330080/ ref=pd_bbs_1/102-7404270-8744145?%5Fencoding=UTF8> <http://tinyurl.com/gt6gy> How Buildings Learn by Stewart Brand. Fabulous tome packed with info and thoughts on the life of buildings. There was a BBC TV series years ago. I have some of the hour long episodes on VHS. The book is a great companion to understand what you're looking at. Great pics BTW, particularly the first one. I think the second would be a good companion to a wider shot. You have a great potential here mate. Cheers, Cotty ___/\__ || (O) | People, Places, Pastiche ||=====| http://www.cottysnaps.com _____________________________
