Calotypes

In the national gallery of art, the "Impressed by Light: British Photographs from Paper Negatives, 1840-1860" calotypes are shown. Calotypes, as explained in the exhibit, are photographs made from paper negatives. It is fascinating how the beginning of photography was conducted in such an experimental manner. Though the technique was an attempt to create a new form of producing photographs by chemistry different from the now commonly used silver printing, it was not as successful. Never the less it is interesting that a group of people was so intrigued and developed this to such an extent.