Grand Rapids Public Library cyanotype collection
Scope and Contents
This collection is the only known representation of the cyanotype photographic process currently located in the Grand Rapids History & Special Collections Archives. It is suggested by the manner of collection that the items came from more than one source.
The description in bold below are those words given on the items. Additional descriptions have been given in order to provide more search access, and to provide a mental description of the image to remote users of the finding aid. An index at the end co-locates similar themes, and provides added access.
Series I is a set of mixed views of Grand Rapids, containing forty-one (41) cyanotype photoprints, purchased from now unidentified sources by Grand Rapids Public Library staff. Most of the identification data has been created by staff from their research and personal knowledge. The source and creators of these images is unknown. The views are of Grand Rapids area scenes, houses, house interiors, John Ball Park, and four unique views of the damage caused by the 1900 break in the city water reservoir.
Series II is a set of 56 images of vehicles manufactured by the Grand Rapids based Couple Gear Company, and in use across the United States during the early decades of the 20th century.
Dates
- circa 1880-1900
Biographical / Historical
Cyanotypes are one of several photo processes based on the ferric process, also called iron printing. The familiar blue color in architectural blueprints is due to the similarities in the chemicals used in their production. Cyanotypes were invented in 1842 by Sir John Herschel, and are considered the first permanent photographic process. Though considered permanent, they fade in contact with alkaline substances or from extended exposure to light. In the latter case, many faded cyanotypes will regenerate their blue color after resting in the dark. The concern with alkaline fading affects the type of paper chosen for use in making the print, as well as the nature of the materials used in archival storage. Known to be popular with amateurs who could easily make the prints at home for postcards or other keepsakes, cyanotypes were sometimes also printed on cloth as decorative pillows, clothing, wall hangings, and other decorative objects.
Unfortunately, no information is know about the photographer of these cyanotypes or the source of these unique historical reproductions.
Extent
1.1 Linear Feet (Two boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The Grand Rapids Public Library cyanotypes collection is a devised collection containing cyanotype images. The images include views of Grand Rapids, Michigan, houses, house interiors, John Ball Park and the 1900 break in the city's water reservoir. The collection also contains a set of 56 images of vehicles manufactured by the Couple Gear Company.
Arrangement
Series I. Images have apparently been arranged at random, and are numbered successively on either side of the support (#1-36) or verso (#38-41). A group of the images are housed successively in regular sized file folders, currently in a flat 3” print box.
Series II. Arranged by number recorded in the image.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Library purchases and various donors. Accession numbers include 1991.023. Some donor data on photographs.
Physical condition note
Images #1-36 have been adhered to either side of a buff colored, textured paper. The paper is acidic, which in the case of cyanotypes is less likely to reduce fading. No information is available on the specific nature of the paper or the adhesive used. Images have been placed on both the front and the back of the buff paper support. Any identifications are written on the buff paper. Image and support are enclosed with a plastic photo sleeve, probably Polyguard, via Hollinger. This is believed to protect the image from the possible bad effects of the acid-free (alkaline) file folders. Several photoprints are housed in the same folder. A better housing, in a box and neutral sleeve closer to the correct size of the paper, may be indicated in the future.
Images #37-41 are attached to board, and in a plastic sleeve.
Images #38-41 are 8 x 10 including board.
Apparently, black and white copy negatives have been made of all items, probably within the last 10-20 years.
8/24/2001
- Title
- Finding Aid for the Grand Rapids Public Library cyanotype collection
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Richard H. Harms
- Date
- October 1988
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
Repository Details
Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497
localhis@grpl.org