Neil Dixon, of Yankee Imaging, is a trained archaeologist who works in the historic preservation field. Over time, he has collected old glass plates that he has found during his travels. Though he owns over 350 plates, he has only just begun to print them. Photographs belong to the photographer, and Dixon was reluctant to reproduce the images as he did not “own” them. “I decided I had a responsibility to reproduce and display this shared cultural heritage,” said Dixon. “I am sensitive to the ownership of the images, but felt it was important to make them available for the next century.”
Of the 350 glass plates Dixon owns, he has only printed 11 so far, as the process is complicated and expensive. By digitizing them for enlargement, he has been able to restore the images back to their original quality. Choosing which images to print has not been easy. Dixon shared that “It is a gut reaction to a negative that leads me to print it.” All eleven images are on display at the Gallery.
Though Dixon has done some detective work to determine where the photos were taken in Vermont, a few of the plates had clues. Alma with a Gun is a simple title for a mysterious photograph of a young woman, a small owl and a gun. Why was the picture taken? Who is Alma? And why is she holding an owl? The photo draws you in and leaves you with more questions!
Vintage Vermont runs through June 12 at the Festival Gallery. For the remainder of June and July the Gallery will host the photography of Henry Erickson. The Festival Gallery is located at #2 Village Square, next to the Tempest Book Store. For more information call 802-496-6682 or go to www.vermontartfest.com.
