Outcome
I believe that this photoshoot outcome was overall positive. We got many images of Elizabeth Castle relating to the Nazi Occupation. However, I do believe that we could have done with some more images and also recorded some videos to include in the film.
The Societe Jersiaise photographic archive was established in 1873, they serve as an important resource providing information and artefacts on Jersey’s heritage open to the Jersey community. The material that is collected includes drawings, photographs, documents, paintings and records, making it much easier for people to look into the history and play a significant role in our cultural heritage. the archives play an important role on improving our knowledge of the past meaning having a more informed perspective on both the future and the present.
The impressive work of the archive to preserve the islands history has an impact on the local art scene which strengthens this connection between art and history, the Archisle contemporary art programme hosted by societe Jersiaise since its foundation in 2001 has commissioned renowned artists such as Martin Parr, Tom Pope and Michelle Sank which created artwork to create the vibe of Jersey.
What I really find fascinating is that the photographic archive captures a range of subjects such as documentation such as the islands wildlife, the geography of the island, images of the local population and also significant historical island events. Societe Jersiaise aims and goals are to (“produce and facilitate research on the Island’s history, culture, language, and environment; and to share that knowledge with the widest possible audience for the benefit of our island community”). And what I really like is how this is represented in the Societe active engagement with the local community. This engagement is an ongoing participation in community outreach programmes research initiatives and collaborations with various local partners. There are also conservation and care given to donated artefacts and the Societe members contribute significantly to the communities appreciation of its heritage. This community acts as a cycle of people giving material to be preserved allowing others to learn and inspire them to grow their knowledge and give back to the Societe.
While I was researching the history behind important figures of Societe Jersiaise I stumbled upon the name of Ernest Badoux. Born in 1828, he conducted his photographic work in jersey starting in 1829. Ernest had a total of 1350 of his images primarily focusing on portraits, these are accessible to view on the jersey heritage website. These portraits were only available for the wealthier inhabitants of the island. Although he did focus on portraits, these are some works of his which include landscaped, mainly client’s residences as well as documenting significant events happening at the time. These scenes when put together hold great value as they tell the story of the islands historical transformations. Because of the amount and quality of Badoux’s imagery, it is a greta resource for other people and it shows how the archives serve as a library of knowledge and experimental understanding.
This image, taken by Ernest Badoux in 1886 is one of the many interesting images produced by him but also another historic photograph that takes us back. Although there is not much actual history shown in the photograph meaning there is no specific landmarks or other historic scenery that makes the picture look vintage. With little infrastructure, it focuses on the natural beauty and wildness of the island, however this can be deceiving as the contents of the image itself do not reflect the time at which the image was taken like the other images that I came across which included victorian buildings and portraits of people. What made me choose this image is that although it is a very old image, it still shows the beauty of nature seen in the present day, it is showing one of the only aspects that remain the same. As the image is composed of mainly crashing waves and the violent sea, we can see a glimpse of vague infrastructure in the background. What I find interesting is that the same image image could be produced in the present day with the right equipment whereas other images freeze time, this one feels different as it is relatable to the present day. The photograph itself is bathed in soft hues of late 19th century, his composition skilfully balances the natural elements and human presence with the nature dominating the image but influence of human kind being shown through the buildings, this reflects Badoux’s signature approach of storytelling through images.
The play of the daylight and shadows reveals details casting a nostalgic glow over the waves and rustic architecture in the background. (Le Collete 1886) stands as a testament to Badoux’s ability to transcend the boundaries of a single frame, giving an emotional reflection on the historical aspect of Jersey but mainly timeless beauty in its landscapes.
When taking a leap into early photographic processes, such as daguerreotype, calotype, salt paper prints, wet plate collodion, albumen prints, autochrome and colour transparencies archival imagery is is great record of each . Ernest Badoux uded a chromotype process, also known as “carbon printing”. These produced a sepia tone print with a metallic-like finish. It is amazing that we are able to go back in time through the different processes and photographic evolution, by having records of it, enabled by the jersey archive, and archives all around the world.
In conclusion, the significance of photographic archives, are for the historical images that open many paths into the past, opening windows for peoples understandings of their origins and connecting with their artistic inspiration. For photographers, these archives hold very valuable resources as many photographers and artists incorporate archival material into their works. By people using archival images, it hightens the meanings of the paths and ensures the history is preserved and is not forgotten, this is a pivotal role of archives, shaping our perception of the island and its history. No matter if one is native to jersey, these archives hold significance in illustrating how our island once functioned. They serve as a vital compass guiding us through the historical maze of our island, making them an invaluable resource for our research and exploration.
Archives are organized collections of historical records, documents, and other materials that are preserved and maintained for research, historical, and cultural purposes. These collections may be physical, digital, or a combination of both, and they serve as important repositories of information and knowledge. One of the primary functions of archives is to preserve historical materials. Archivists use specialized techniques and storage methods to protect documents and artifacts from deterioration, damage, and loss. This may involve climate control, conservation efforts, and digitization to ensure long-term accessibility.
Preservation of visual history/ education:
Photo archives are collections of images that document historical events, people, places, and cultures. Their primary purpose is to preserve visual records for future generations, ensuring that important moments of history are not lost. They are also very valuable sources of information for historians, educators, students and researches as they provide visual evidence and allow access to materials that can be used to study and learn about specific moments in history.
Journalism and Media/ legal:
News organizations and media outlets frequently use and rely on photo archives to access images for news stories, documentaries, and other media productions. by using archival images, it allows the person viewing/ consuming the media to add some visual context to news events ect. Furthermore, photos are often used as evidence in legal cases, insurance claims, and property documentation. photo archives can be crucial in verifying the accuracy and authenticity of visual evidence.
Archives serve as repositories of knowledge by preserving and organizing historical records, documents, and materials. Archives protect valuable information from deterioration and loss due to ageing or erosion/ environmental factors. ensuring that knowledge is available for future generations. By having archives it provides a structured and organised system to find and access information.
The Société Jersiaise was founded in January 1873 by a small number of prominent Islanders who were interested in the study of the history, the language and the antiquities of Jersey. Membership grew quickly and the aims of the new society soon widened to include the publication of historical documents, the founding of a Museum, and the study of the Island’s natural history. Their first Bulletin Annuel was issued in 1875 and continues to be the main record of our activities. However, In 1992 the Photographic Archive (SJPA) was established to implement appropriate collections management policies for the photographic collections held by the Société Jersiaise Library. From its foundation, the Société actively encouraged the use of photography in achieving its aims, resulting in the natural accrual of photographic materials. In 1927 Emile F. Guiton was appointed to manage the Library’s first cabinet for housing photographic records. The collection acted as both a repository of research resources relating to Jersey, and as a record of the work carried out by the Société’s Sections and Departments. Today the SJPA is responsible for over 140,000 records and is Jersey’s primary repository for photographic materials; as described in the shared collections management policy between Jersey Heritage and the Société Jersiaise, which came into effect in 2019.
What i found was interesting about the Jersey Archive was how it is looked after by people from the jersey community, and how, many people donate artefacts for them to be preserved in the correct conditions which further allows it to be enjoyed by more people. Another thing that i thought was really interesting was, if Jersey societie was not created many of these images would have been lost and we would not know as much history about the Island we live on.
Born in France, 1828, Ernest Badoux moved to Jersey in 1869 where he made his living as a portraitist, and took pictures of affluent islanders’ houses. Baudoux’s work was of the highest quality, and many of the surviving images are in superb collection. The portraits, most of which have names inscribed on the backs (although often only surnames, so that it is difficult to link pictures to particular families) are supreme examples of the Victorian art of photographic portraiture. They convey the fashions of the time, both in clothing and hairstyles. Usually the subjects wore their best clothes for the portrait sessions. For the ladies in the 1870s and 80s, this meant long black dresses. The fashion for white dresses, which would be almost universally worn in public later on, did not emerge until much closer to the end of the century. It was also common for children, and sometimes adults, to be photographed wearing fancy dress. Sailor suits were particulaly popular for boys. If the subjects of the images appear rather dour this is easily explained. They would have to hold their pose for a lengthy period, which is why they can often be seen posing with their arms folded and supported on the back of a chair, or a firm cushion. Staring blankly at the camera for the required time was relatively easily accomplished, whereas holding a smile was impossible.
In conclusion, archives are evidence of knowledge, which ensures that the past is not forgotten and that information is accessible to current and future generations. They play a vital role in preserving, organizing, and providing access to a wide range of valuable knowledge sources. These collections may be physical, digital, or a combination of both, and they serve as important repositories of information and knowledge.