Photographica 1997

[P3D John Bradley <JB3D@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

The annual collector's fair Photograhica was held 
in London yesterday (Sunday). Organised by  The Photographic
Collectors Club of Great Britain (PCCGB) to coincide with some
of Christies camera and image sales , it always attracts a good
international crowd of collectors and dealers.

A 3.30am departure from home , to ensure arrival in time for 
"early buyer entry" with the dealers is a real test of dedication.

This year saw less modern usable stereo on sale than usual.
I noticed a Realist for 180( prices in pounds so multiply by 1.6 for US$),
a Kodak stereo for 145 , Kodak Mk I viewer for 45 , MkII viewer for 180
(!!!!),
and a Wollensak 11 viewer mint in box for 20 (guess which I bought). 

I hesitated when offered a "Stereograms" viewer with AC attachment and
stand . I had to check with a friend if I was right that the lenses of this
viewer were achromats, and  the stand was an original. By the time
I'd confirmed the answers were yes and yes the thing had gone . At
45 I should have bought first asked questions later. Anyone know 
who made the "Stereograms" viewer by the way?  

One table with plenty of Viewmaster , but slavishly sticking to 
"Waldsmith Prices" which are now seriously innacurate.

Lots of brass and leather stereos for those who are that way inclined.
Antique stereocards in abundance , and a surprising number of early
glass stereo slides. 

Favourite find for me was a collection of 65 "amateur" stereo cards, 
beautifully mounted on gilt edged cards, all titled and dated (1904-12),
and taken in and around my home area. Particularly poignant were some
lovely shots of nearby Wingfield Manor (where mary Queen of Scots was
inprisoned prior to her execution). I had been photographing there myself 
only a couple of weeks ago. I found myself with an instant sense of
connection
with this unknown stereographer , whose lovely family also appeared in some
shots.
I hope in 90 years time someone finds my old photos , rescues them from
obscurity and cherishes them the way I will these.

Also interesting was the table of Alain Martinot from France.Huge range
of 45x107 format (have I remembered that correctly?) Jules
Richard/Verascope
slides and viewers . Also selling a two volume history by Jacques Perin ,
recently 
finished titled "Verascope and Jules Richard". Not reading a word of
French myself  I had to make do with looking at the numerous illustrations
of nude ladies desporting themselves stereoscopically in Mr Richard's
big bathtub.

John Bradley
JB3D@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx






------------------------------