How do archives function? 

Archives function through a collection of historical content, whether they are presented in tangible or intangible galleries, those of which do not have a physical presence are more common only in today’s memorabilia, a function that has strengthened the interpretation of archives due to the immense impact of technology. Archives can be approached with significance or just general well-being, depending on the historical impact of the image. Some archives can be selected and kept within high authority and expense, taking the role of extreme value if they represents historical events to the public domain. Going back to the tangible and intangible functions of archival photography, living in the new and advanced time period of today, we are able to capture the intangible functions a lot more frequently and effectively. Nowadays there aren’t many families that prioritize the belonging of dusty boxes filled with photographs and memorable objects to the family archive, although this function to family archive does definitely still exist – we prefer to access the ability of the internet nowadays. However strong this new and advanced way of archiving photographs may be, the greatest and most valuable archives that belong to society are kept tangible in the highest of museums and exhibitions all over the world.

What are their purpose?

These museums and exhibitions are set up in order to appreciate the archive many values, including religion, culture, and national treasure. Arranged in order, museums allow us to educated ourselves and others based on the ancestors that formed the present.

Not only can archival photography be used for this reason, they can also be used in modern context, giving support to the media, advertisement, news, documentary, fine art, identity and anthropology. Archives have a purpose of supporting these factors as they provide a sense of knowledge, visual history and most importantly, prove for those who reap a greater understanding of the subject.

How do archives act as repositories of cultural memories of the past?

In reference to the formality of archives and how well-respected they are presented within the many museums around the world, we can identify a role of repositories within archives as they support cultural memories of the past through displaying artifacts and materials which effortlessly create different impressions and inventories for the viewers along the way. Allowing the next generation to witness these sighting can allow past cultures to form a certain significance of the present and foreseeable future for the viewers. Over recent years, we can take the information given from David Bates text of Archives, Networks and Narratives and identify that artists have become increasingly more conscious of archival storage, some taking the next step and making the focus of their work entirely based on repositories of cultural value. US artist and photography Louise Lawler focused her work entirely on the responsibility of repositories, her work involves photographs that are featured in private homes, public museums and auction houses that function for the sheer taste and satisfaction of cultural remembrance in order for spectators to evaluate art.

In what way does photography perform a double role within archives?

Photography can perform a double role within archives as they can represent both a meaningful background for the artefacts of the museums and also a collection of archives that can present a sense of independence within itself, letting people appreciate the work for general interest they they may find aesthetically pleasing.

Albert Smith

Background: Albert Smith is preferably the most iconic photographer for the islands early archives. Although Smith wasn’t born in Jersey, his work was sold as commercial photography in a local business that he set up in Broad Street, St. Helier. This business started in  1892 were Albert Smith employed people to capture certain locations around Jersey, as well as himself. Usually printed on postcards, this was how he presented his photography of not only scenic landscapes, but also island life and major dates of historical importance. He also worked on capturing the development of mobility and transport throughout his years on the island; photographing a range of groups on either a horse and carriage or charabanc outings.

In this archive, we can identify a status of hierarchy exposed through the suited attire shown; representing the couple either side of this officer as somewhat guarded in the environment. Meaning that this archive must have been taken to show wealth during the late 1800’s. The hierarchy being of a high standard, the officer framed in the center of this photograph shows general authority with his sword placed by his side. I believe this photograph was well-taken in the sense of composure, lining the individuals inside the rule of thirds can suggest Albert Smith was clearly aware of the theory within the early years of photography and in relation to culture, this photo gives off an immense sense of power between the seated couple.

In this picture, Smith has captured the tide either entering or leaving the bay of Portelet. We are looking at the vast and foreseeing mist that overhangs the clifftops in the distance of Smiths view, giving us a panoramic dimension of where we was stood, which seems to be overlooking the bay at some height. I believe the meaning of this archive was very scenic, giving a pleasing impression towards the islands proximity and how grateful Smith is to witness the island. Judging this photo, I believe it’s aesthetically pleasing to gather a sense of flow within the pictures composure; how the clifftops swirl around the bottom half of the image up towards the mystic view of Portelet house. This is art, I believe the context of this archive was intended to capture the early beauty of the island.

In this photograph, the group of people identified alongside the horse and carriage can be profiled as wealthy, with their elaborately decorated hats and neckerchiefs and cummerbunds. Showing this type of transport alongside their uniform suggest they was definitely wealthy enough to travel in luxury. Due to this, the meaning of this photograph suddenly has a sense of power that is exposed through the appearance of the individuals. However, the quality of this image is slightly washed out, giving it a faded tint; therefore the quality of this image somehow erases the power that rises from the context.

Ernest Baudoux

Born in France, Baudoux worked in Jersey from 1869 was the first significant archivist of island life in images, a role which later influenced Albert Smith, the photographer researched below.

There are 1385 photographs by Baudoux available on line from the Société’s archive. They are mainly portraits, which was the photographer’s specialty. Many of his portraits exist in two versions, one of them retouched to hide facial blemishes and wrinkles. Baudoux also undertook photographic commissions of clients’ houses and, working with his sons, he photographed views of the island.

In this photo, we can identify another group of individuals that present the middle-class environment with their presented clothing.  Meaning this archive is about the working-class that existed in Jersey during the late 18th century. In reference to the theme of family and environment, I believe this archive is a perfect representation of both topics as it presents the intimacy between the individuals whereas most archives from this era are usually very formal and hard to comprehend the emotional context. I believed this occurred through the culture within this archive, due to the class of individuals we can suggest that Baudoux allowed an informal approach and therefore this archive can benefit towards the history of photography and how natural appearance developed into the theory of photography.

This view across Plemont Bay demonstrates the vast scenery of the islands natural environment, capturing a moment in which the photographer – Ernest Baudoux has appreciated this enough to create an archive. Therefore suggesting this archive is an attempt of art, rather than culture; as Baudoux is not capturing an particular event taken from the islands history, nor is he revealing any family context, he is simply freezing a moment of the islands vast seafront. Evaluating this archive was easy enough to make a positive judgement of Baudoux and his ability to angle the given scenery, approaching the view across Plemont Bay with the intention to break up each element into three specific segments; starting from the intimate and textured rocks that creep from the bottom and gradually fade into the over-exposed, blank sea and then finally framing the elements below with a sharp cut of the horizon that divides the archive.

With no date labelled to this archive, we cannot identify the time period of this image, yet Baudoux has captured portrait rather than a memorable occasion in Jersey society. We are looking at Major John De La Taste, a man of the military and therefore importance. Wearing this significant uniform, we can also suggest this archive was taken to capture the power held by this individual, appreciating his status and authority to the people of this time period. This is definitely relevant to the viewers of today, this archive is good in which we can still appreciate the uniform of those who served for the Island proudly. In context, this archive supports the theory of photography as it follows a direct response to the formalism of portraiture, present a composed and stiff figure, it also strengthens the background of the individual, based on his given uniform.