Discover the Treasures of the Lewis Morley Archive

The Lewis Morley Archive represents a significant repository of photographic history, chronicling the journey of one remarkable photographer. This article takes a closer look at the ongoing efforts to organize and catalog this extensive collection, highlighting some of the most fascinating elements found within.

Cataloguing the Lewis Morley Archive

The Lewis Morley Archive consists of 103 boxes of invaluable material that arrived unsorted and poorly organized. The archival items were housed in inappropriate packaging that did not support their long-term preservation, making the collection less accessible for researchers and staff alike. As custodians of this collection, there is a critical need to transform it into a more manageable and accessible format.

To effectively tackle this massive endeavor, a detailed project plan is initiated. This plan outlines necessary tasks, establishes timelines, and delineates desired outcomes. It includes collaborative working methods among team members, a preliminary inventory check for hazards, and the creation of a box listing. The box listing process involves documenting key information in a spreadsheet format, allowing for informed cataloging decisions based on the content of each box.

Box listing provides insights into organizing materials into coherent thematic series. It helps identify potential data protection issues, the dating of various materials, and the precise location of each box. As of now, a substantial number of entries have been completed for around 65 boxes, marking significant progress. This foundational phase will lead to crafting a publicly accessible online catalogue.

Highlights from the Lewis Morley Archive

The archive is rich in a variety of materials including correspondence, exhibition items, photographic prints, negatives, and Polaroids. Diving into this collection reveals treasures that speak volumes about the life and work of Lewis Morley. Here are some standout elements from the archive:

Negatives

Particularly rich in original negatives from the 1960s, the collection features many in black and white, as Morley often preferred this aesthetic. Notably, Morley organized his negatives into folders with corresponding illustrative prints, making it easier to visualize their content. Themes explored in these negatives encompass portraits, fashion, and reportage, predominantly from key locations like London and Paris.

Contact Prints

As an official photographer for various influential venues, Morley’s contact prints reflect a bustling career. The annotations on these prints reveal the hectic nature of his work, often leading to hasty arrangements designed for quick overviews. These annotated sheets served multiple purposes including promotional material for theatre productions.

Photographic Proofs

Morley’s collection includes spiral-bound books of proofs, distributed by theme, allowing prospective clients to select images for reproduction with ease. Some images noted for their significant details, such as dates and locations, provide a deeper context to his portfolio and the era he captured.

Polaroids and Transfers

After emigrating to Australia, Morley expanded his work into fashion and interior photography, producing stunning Polaroid transfers. These are instances of experimental techniques that showcase his artistic versatility. The archive offers numerous examples of this transformative approach to photography.

This collection’s journey does not end here. Future updates will provide progress reports regarding the cataloging of the Lewis Morley Archive, especially insights into works related to Pauline Boty, a well-known artist and model.

In conclusion, the Lewis Morley Archive offers a fascinating glimpse into photographic history while also raising awareness about the importance of well-maintained archives in today’s digital landscape. By booking a personalized transfer through GetTransfer.com, individuals can easily access such cultural treasures and more during their travels, highlighting the blend of art and mobility in today’s world.

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