St. Louis Public Library

PHOTOGRAPHY THROUGH THE LENS OF ST. LOUIS EXHIBIT OPENS TODAY AT CENTRAL LIBRARY

The St. Louis Public Library is proud to announce the opening of its new exhibit, Photography Through the Lens of St. Louis, on February 8 at Central Library, 1301 Olive Street. The exhibit runs through May 20 and is open Monday through Thursdays, 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., but is closed on Sundays.

The exhibit explores the works of a select group of prominent area photographers who were active from the mid-1800s through the early 1900s: Enoch Long, the Parrish sisters (Williamina and Grace), Jessie Tarbox Beals, J. C. (Julius Caesar) Strauss, and the father-and-son team of Albert J. and Albert W. Dubach. 

Visitors can discover facts about the photographers' lives, see a snapshot of their work, and find out about many of the various types of photography done during this time period. In addition, advertisements from St. Louis companies which appeared in the magazines and journals of the time are displayed.  Photography Through the Lens of St. Louis offers viewers an opportunity to immerse themselves in the artistry, detail, and beauty of these photographer's work and the photographer's world. 

         Photography Through the Lens of St. Louis is the Library's opportunity to introduce St. Louis to one significant part of its collection, which comprises approximately 15,000 photos in various formats. Included are approximately 7,000 glass plates from the official photographers of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition, more popularly known as the 1904 World's Fair, held in St. Louis. In 2011, the Library also received a donation of approximately 2,300 glass plates from the St. Louis Water Department. Visitors will be able to view original works in a variety of early formats including daguerreotypes, tintypes, lantern slides, glass plate negatives, stereographs, and more. The featured images reflect the photographers' distinct perspectives, as well as the progression of early photographic processes.

         PLUS! There is a small, related exhibit in the Special Collections Reading Room on Central's Third Floor featuring St. Louis-born Mattie Hewitt. A prominent architectural photographer in New York City, Hewitt took pictures of Central Library in 1911 before it opened.

         Take a SNEAK PEEK!  The Library has put together an online exhibit that offers a quick look at what the exhibit has to offer! Check it out, today!

         From landscapes to portraits to everyday snapshots, Photography Through the Lens of St. Louis enables viewers the opportunity to experience singular moments in historic St. Louis… frozen in time.

         For questions or more information on the exhibits, please call 314.539.0370.

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