British Kinematography (1951)

160 BRITISH KINEMATOGRAPHY Vol. 18, No. 5 THE FATHER OF M An exhibition of the work of Fox Talbot, " the father of modern photography," designed by Dr. D A. Spencer, Hon.F.R.P.S., was opened by Miss M. T. Talbot, C.B.E., at the Kodak showrooms in Kingsway, on April 23. Fox Talbot's first " photogenic drawings " were made in August, 1835, at Lacock Abbey. His earliest cameras were wood boxes, about 2ins. square, with a hinged back and a lens; this form of camera — styled by his wife a " mousetrap " — is the direct ancestor of the modern box camera. The first photographs were made by a printingout process, but in 1840 he discovered the process of development, using gallic acid, which enabled the camera exposure to be reduced from hours to minutes. The paper negatives were waxed and positives made bv contact printing, and fixed in common salt. For enlarging, Fox Talbot rephotographed his positive, using a large camera, ODERN PHOTOGRAPHY and then made contact prints from the resulting large negative. For mass-production photographs for the purpose of book illustration, numbers of printing frames were exposed to daylight. A photomechanical method of printing, employing bichromated gelatine, was in its basic features identical with the photogravure process. Among other technical applications of photography to which Fox Talbot turned his attention were flash photography — using a spark from a large bank of Leyden jars — and document copying. The use of filters was anticipated, although with his non-colour-sensitised emulsions the only filter he was able to use was one to remove heat. Photographs and equipment representative of all these processes are demonstrated in the Kodak ;endants. R. H. C. THE CO Summary of meeting held on Wednesday, Present : Mr. A. W. Watkins {President), in the Chair, and Messrs. L. Knopp {Vice-President), E. Oram [Deputy Vice-President), H. S. Hind {Hon. Treasurer), D. Cantlay, B. Honri, T. W. Howard, N. Leevers, R. E. Pulman, S. A. Stevens and R. J. T. Brown {representing Papers Sub-Committee). In Attendance : Miss J. Poynton {Secretary). COMMITTEE REPORTS Social Committee. — Some 100 Members and Guests attended the Dinner at Grosvenor House on April d, which was a most successful event. The financial aspect of the Dinner is satisfactory. The final account is not yet complete, but it appears that the income and expenditure will approximately balance. — Report received and adopted. The Convention. — The President-Elect, Mr. L. Knopp, will deliver a Presidential Address at the Annual Convention on May 5. The Divisional Annual General Meetings and the Ordinary Meeting of the Society will take place at the same times as last year, and a programme of films for the entertainment of those not attending the meetings will be shown from 3 p.m. onwards. — Report received and adopted. Library Committee. — A regular allocation of space in the Journal for publishing Library matters is one feature in the campaign for promoting its wider use. Copy concerning the various aspects of kinematography and its allied techniques as relating to the Library will be contributed by specialists within the industry. The industrial shelving has now been replaced by mahogany bookcases and a new library cata UNCIL April II, 1951, at 1 17 Piccadilly, W.I logue is to be published. — Report received mid adopted. Papers Sub-Committee . — Preliminary consideration has been given to the date schedule and the Divisional and Societv meetings for the 1951 52 Session. The 16 mm. Film Division will base its papers on the Investigation Committee's reports. The Film Production Division is again forming its papers into a series under the main title " Long Term Developments in the Industry." — Report received and adopted. 16 mm. Film Division. — Reports from the Chairmen of the Investigation Technical SubCommittees have been received. Laboratory tests and the drafting and circulation of questionnaires, although time absorbing, are necessary adjuncts to a comprehensive survey. It is hoped that Part I will be completed shortly. — Report received and adopted. Theatre Division. — Further progress is being made with the 1951/52 lecture programme, in which is included a demonstration of Philips' equipment. The following ad hoc Committee is appointed to make recommendations for examination purposes in connection with the Apprenticeship Scheme for the Training of Projectionists: Messrs. H. Lambert, S. J. Perry, R. E. Pulman and F. H. Sheridan-Shaw. — Report received and adopted. Film Production Division. — Final arrangements for the visit to the B.B.C. Television Studios, Lime Grove, on Saturday. May 19, have been concluded. — Report received and adopted. A Festival Year Plaque. — During Festival Year an oak plaque will be affixed to the wall of 92,