Kelmscott Manor: The Garden Front 1896

Frederick Evans made this platinum print, "Kelmscott Manor: The Garden Front," using a camera and darkroom techniques. The platinum print process was embraced by Pictorialist photographers like Evans for its ability to capture a wide range of subtle tonal variations. In this process, a paper is coated with light-sensitive iron salts and platinum. When exposed to light through a negative, the iron salts are reduced, creating a latent image. The paper is then developed, causing the platinum to precipitate out and form the final image. Evans intentionally chose this labor-intensive process for its aesthetic qualities, valuing the handcrafted nature of the final print, which allowed the artist to create a work with a unique texture and depth. While photography was becoming increasingly industrialized, Evans deliberately embraced a slower, more deliberate approach, emphasizing the artistic potential inherent in the printmaking process. He elevates photography to the level of fine art through the meticulous use of materials and processes.