"LETTERS TO AND fROM THE EDITOR"

TO ANO

5th December 86. Extract from a letter from K.Warr,RPS Secretary,Bath.

Dear Victor, The Executive Committee of the Society has asked me to drop you~ line on the matter of your Group Newsletter. The Comm-ittee is most anxiuos that the Newsletters published by Groups should be a credit to the Society and, although it fully appre-iates the enormous amount of effort which must go into the prod-uction of "Proof", quite frankly it does not think that the publication befits a learned Society. I am sure you are very much aware that the Archaeology and Heritage Group was launched on a very high plain, with the opening ceremony performed by Sir Mortimer Wheeler, and whilst the Executive would in· no way wish to stifle the enjoyment which members of the Group obviosly get from the Group's activities, it would like to see articles of which the Royal Photographic Society - remembering that it is a Learned Society - can be proud.

I think if you were to examine the membership of the Arch·-aeology and Heritage Group it might become apparent that many of the renown Archaeologists who were originally members of the Group are no longer and one wonders wether this could be that their reputations might be adversely affected if they were known to be associated with the Groups present activities. I hope very much that you will not take offence at these remarks, but in view of the discussion at the Executive Committee, it is only right that you should know of the views expressed. Surely there is no reason why just as much fun and lighthearted content cannot be included in your Group's newsletter whils.t at the same time catering for the more learned aspects of the branch of photog-raphy with which the Group is concerned. 25.

&A&H GROUP MINUTES FROM YESTERYEA

COMME!~TS ON LETTER FROM KENNETH WARR. ref:KRW/MA 5-12-86. Jim Brown ARPS.

par 3. RENOWN ARCHAEOLOGISTS (quote) HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO ENSURE THAT THE ·GROUP WAS RUN THE WAY THEY WANTED. IT WOULD APPEAR THAT THEY WERE NOT INCLINED TO DO SO OR WERE HAPPY TO LE.T OTHERS RUN THE GROUP·, AS THEY 'SAW FIT.

Membership and Reputation. IF THIS WERE THE CASE WHY DID NOT THESE MEMBERS MAKE THEIR VIEWS FELT AND CONTRIBUTE TO THE ACTIVITIES CiF THE GROUP 7

CONTENT. MORE LEARNED ASPECTS COULD BE INCLUDED IF THE MORE LEARNED MEMBERS OF THE GRO~P WOULD WRITE THEM. ME,MBERSHIP

ANY ACTIVITIES OUTSIDE THE LONDON AREA ARE ATTENDED BY MEMBERS FROM THE LONDON AREA. ACTIVITIES IN LONDON ATTENDED 0 BY THE SAME MEMBERS.

PROOF

"PROOF" IS INTENDED FOR CIRCULATION TO THE GROUP MEMBERS. THERE HAVE BEEN · NO COMPLAINTS FROM MEMBERS ABOUT ITS GONTENT AND STYLE. OTHER PO!NTS TO NOTE. GROUP FOUNDED AS "ARCHAEOLOGY" "GROUP". SOME 10J12 YEARS AGO. BY THE TIME OF THE "FINANCIAL CRISIS"

MANY OF 'IllE ORIGINAL Mf21BERS HAD LEFf 'IllE GRO.JP. THE GROUP NAME WAS CHANGED TO REFLECT THE INTEREST AND ACTIVITIES OF ITS MEMBERS.

HOW MANY OF THE RENOWNED ARCH-AEOLOGISTS ARE STILL MEMBERS OF THE R.P.S. ? COULD IT BE THE R.P.S. WITH WHICH . THEY DID NOT WISH TO BE ASSOCIATED ? ( I WOULD THINK THE ORIGINAL INTENTION WAS ONLY TO USE THE R.P.S. ADDRESS AND NOT TO BE PART OF THE SOCIETY.

SHOULD THE GROUP DISBAND AND ALL A&H PHOTOGRAPHY LEFT TO THE CBA & ENGLISH HERITAGE?

COULD THE RPS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE SUGGEST MEMBERS WHO WOULD FORM A COMMITTEE WHO WOULD DO AS REQUIRED ? MEMBERS OF THE GROUP? APART FROM THE "FEW" WILL NOT TAKE AN ACTIVE POST. THEY WILL NOT CRITISIZE WHAT IS DONE NEITHER WILL TH.EY SUGGEST ALTERNATIVES.

WHY WAS THIS LETTER WRITTE. TO THE CHAIRMAN AND NOT THE SECRETAR THE EXECUTIVE EXPECTS US TO REPLY TO ITS SECRETARY NOT DIRECTL TO THE PRESIDENT. THIS MATTER IS ONE WHICH MUS~ Dr M.R.A.formerly of D.O.E. Dr B.B.FRPS. BE DISCUSSED BY THE GROUP'S COMMITTEE. C.B.Associated the C.B.A. T.B.ARPS.RCHM.YORK. C.C."Journey :into space" IT IS IRREVELENTTT THAT THE Dr V.G.W.H.Hon FRPS.(past PRESIDEN'P) PRODUCER OF THE "PROOF" IS ALSO GROUP Lt.Col.CDVK.MBE.Hon FRPS(past PRESIDENT) CHAIRMAN. "PROOF" IS PRODUCED BY HI'. M.S.K.3chool Conservation COPENHAGEN. ON BEHALF OF THE COMMITTEE, ITSELF Ms M.M.ARPS.NRJN.LRPS.Gtr MANCHESTER ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE GROUP MEMBERS. Archaeology UNIT. GJO.ARPS.Univ of CAMBRIDGEdept ANTHROP. DrPGHP.ARPS.AVONCROFT Museum of BUILDING. GBQ.FRPS.D.O.E.?(Scotland) CJVR.Hon FRPS.(past PRESIDENT) MsL.S.S. Photo dept:(Christies) B.A.t.FRPS.BRITISH MUSEUM.

********·* 1978 1981 1986 169 group members. 131 group members 230 group members.(We must be doing something right)

(A few names known personally of considerable "REPUTATION".lto mention just a few. cont. p. 27

MINUTES - MISCELLANY LETTERS

27.

MINUTES AGM Feb 1977.(Earliest available)

"THE GROUP WAS FORMED WITH VARIOUS PROJECTS IN MIND; MANY OF THESE HAVE NOW HAD TO BE MODIFIED OR ABANDONED".

MINUTES. THE SOCIETY PAID £50 LAST Year FOR THEIR ISSUES OF "ARCHAEOLOG".

2nd JUNE 1980. 62 members not renewed.(MARY'S OFFER. OF £500). CHAIRMANS REPORT AGM1980. "IF MEMBERSHIP CAN BE HELD AT A REASONABLE LEVEL THE GROUP CAN BE FULLY ACTIVE AGAIN" .... John STUBBINGTON.

15th August 1981 ARCHAEOLOGY GROUP REPORT. "ON THE WHOLE ARCHAEOLOGY PHOTOGRAPHERS IN THE FIELD ARE MOSTLY ARCHAEOLOGISTS RATHER THAN PHOTOGRAPHERS BY TRAINING AND INCLINATION AND ARE NOi: INTERESTED IN JOINING THE R. P. S." "CONTINUING SUCCESS OF 2nd INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, MANY OF EXHIBITORS ARE IN FACT NOT GROUP MEMBERS.

ARCHAEOLOGY GROUP NEWSLETTER No:l. AUGUST 1981. 1980 WAS A BAD YEAR FOR THE GROUP . OVERSPENT, STOPPED ARCHAEOLOG (newsletter) CANCELLED PROGRAMMES AND LOST MUCH OF OUR MEMBERSHIP. Dear Mr Walden, I should have written this letter ages ago. In fact straight after receiving the last Group Magazine, as I have a possible venue ~or a Group outing. Providing the Group 1s prepared to travel to Stafforshire once again! The place is Stafford Castle, a working archeological site, but it would have to be o~ a Sunday because our Sunday diggers will be at work and guides, in 15th century costumes, are available to show visitors around. Suitable dates are 21st June, 19th July and 23rd August, and I am including an illustrated article, which could be used to advertise the outing, or as a filler for "PROOF". I can be contacted by phone on Stafford (0785) 52653 after 5pm, and preferably not later than 7pm as I am very much in demand by the local Photographic Society,

(Archaeology ****** * group minutes extracted and supplied by J.BROWN ARPS.)Janl987. (Retiring Hon Secretary)

28. THE DAVID CHARLES SUN INDICATOR

Back in the l 950's I had the oleasure of corresponding briefly with a fine photographer named• David Charles. I think he was then in his seventies and still active in

P,hotography. lie ~rote a book called "Commercial &

Industrial Photography" which was, and still is, one of the most commonsense and pr:actical guides to be had. He did not _believe in the purchase of some expensive chrome-plated gadget if a couple of bits of string and perhaps an improvised plumb bob was likely to solve the problem. Consequently, in a materialistic and gadget conscious age, his book never proved as popular as it ought to have done, but it has a lot to· offer the archeological photo_ grapher. One problem which he solved neatly and cheaply was how to decide at what time one ought to arrive at a site for photography in order to ge~ the most suitable angle of lighting· from the sun. He P,Ublished and described his "Sun Direction Indicator" in the British Journal of Photography Almanac of 1953, and my own re-drawn copy of this appears below. Photograph this drawing on line film to produce a negative and print this negative on to another line film of around 7 x 5 inches to produce a black line positive on a . completely dear background. This can then be laid on one's proposed subject on either a 1" or 2.5" map, or a large-scale drawing of an archeological site, with the North-South centre line parallel to the N-S grid lines on a map. A line is chosen which gives the correct direction for the fall of the shadow, and the time shown on this line is then noted as being the best for photography. Be careful to chose the time on the angle (summer) line, the double (Spring/Autumn) line, or the heavy black winter line, whichever is appropriate. The Indicator can be accurate to within 15 minutes or so. If the site. is a small object, such as a Pectish-Symbol Stone, a preliminary visit with a compass may be necessary to measure the bearing of the main face which one was wish to photograph with a glancing side sunlight to show the carving. Reference again to the Sun Direction Indicator wi11 show a suitable time. Lengths of shadows can also be forecast by following the instructions at the bottom of the 11S DI". David Charles was a great enthusiast and I know it would have pleased him immensely that a later g.eneration might find his idea useful.

by T.E. Gray

THE R-P-S-GETS THE BIRDI

29.

__________ REPLY TO THE Joe Partridge Column by:----------Victor J. HEPPLETliWAITE ARPS

Not as might be thought in the season of goodwill, a Christmas turkey. I refer of course to that article by "Joe Partridge" in the Amateur Photographer this December when he reviewed the value, or in this instance the non-value of RPS DISTINCT-

IONS. (Quote) ''How can DISTINCTIONS· possibly help you to take better pictures?" (unquote)

I well remember Victor Blackman, also a regular contributor to "Comic Cuts" uttering similar heresies years ago. It's all, different these days as Victor is now proud to display his FRPS, offered after a suitable interval for forgiveness. How long before our "Joe" will be Joe Partridge

FRPS one wonders?

All sarcasm aside, many will be wondering and perhaps thinking along these lines.

The answer cannot be a flat condemnation of the underlying principle of EARNED

DISTINCTIONS, and in any field of endeavour, the opposite in fact must be far closer to the truth.

Admitting that in the case of Judges accustomed to "traditional" photography, they will sometimes apparently fall over themselves to praise this and that pictorial

FAD in an attempt to be "with it", although it seems to many to be in the most appallingly poor taste, and merely an attempt to lend credibility to work of photographers who exhibit a total lack of adequate technique. Saved in many cases only by the sheer professionalism of the laboratory .actually producing the photographers work.

One only has to recall Exhibitions of not too many years ago when the very finest work (all processed by the Exhibitor) just happened to be the work of - you guessed it - an Associate of Fellow of the Royal

Photographic Society.

The very sight of photography of this calibre is enough to create one of two ideas in the mind of the average amateur (and for that matter not a few Professionals). "I" will never be able to· do work like this - this idea being firmly based on the viewer's net output to that moment.

Or, as in my own case, a fixed and abiding resolve to find out, however long it takes, the means_ of producing work just approaching such elevated . standards.

DISTINCTIONS are not even considered at this point. Not that is, unless you habitually put the cart before the horse! I need not go on to enumerate the obvious course of joining a local Camera ~lub, with the eventual aim, if the need is felt, of becoming a member of THE ROYAL. If the day ever dawns when people whose work you regularly admire begin to make approving nods in your direction, then, and only then should you even dr~am of submitting a panel for an RPS DISTINCT-

ION.

This formula is NOT written on scred parchment and nailed over the portals of that hallowed Centre of Photography. It is simply my own homespun logic, evolved as each year seemed to produce more and ever more photographic disasters than the previous one. When the output from my darkroom cupboard eventually began to emerge as a force to be reckoned with in my local Clubs, I then felt I might be ready to learn what that next step should be from those perfectionists who always had their work hung at major exhibitions. I had much fun, as well as heartaches, finding out about the production of exhibition prints. All advice is not good advice, and not all that appears in print is truly GOSPEL. Taken with the traditional "Pinch of Sodium Chloride", the advice, the sweat and the empty boxes of expensive paper eventually added up to the distinction of ASSOCIATE. How can ANYONE question the value of a DISTINCTION so obtained? It is currency is a world where there are no standards, its true value transcends all inflation and nothing surely, can DEVALUE the worth of a DISTINCTION that has been so hard won. Even leaving .the "ROYAL" and thus losing the right to append the letters after one's name in NO WAY lowers the achievement any more than being a PAST PRESIDENT lessens the value of the office. Nobody in their right mind can expect to obtain a distinction without EARNING it. If that is so, surely the very act of "Learning How It's Done" must simply make one a better photographer. No? Some of us simple mortals just hav~ to have a goal to aim for. Getting there is what it's all about, so admit it "Joe Partridge" and don't expect everbody to be nacherly perfec." P.S. Good· luck with your "Application"

.30. GO FOR A DISTINCTION - 2

In the Summer '86 edition of "PROOF" John Walden wrote about gaining his

L.R.P.S.

I want to tell you how the Group helped me to gain distinctions. When I joined the Society - well the date doesn't really matter - I also joined the then Archeological Group because I liked to photograph old buildings, abbeys, canals anq so on. i really did not know what to expect, but when the Group's Magazine arrived I was both impressed and intimidated. These guys were EXPERTS, and it seemed to me that I was the only member of the Group without a distinction. I went to a couple of the Group's meetings at South Audley Street (yes, it was that long ago!) and was delighted to find everybody so friendly. Nobody asked "What distinctions do you have?" I was simply accepted as a member of the Group. Then came the notice inviting prints to be submitted for the Group's Exhibition at Abingdon. Not for me, I thought. This exhibition will be full of pictures from the · experts, and· work from mere mortals would not even be considered. The phone rang. "I am Chairman of the Group. Do you have three prints for the Exhibition?" (The Chairman lived near me - it was a local call!) "Bring me some prints and come to the Exhibition Dinner" he said. With great fear and trepidation I selected three of my best prints and delivered them · to him. (Looking back at them now with their exhibition lables on the back I wonder how I dared submit them!) I even went to the Exhibition Dinner and the people present were not unkind to my pictures. Another 'phone call. "As you are living close by, would you help with the Crystal Palace Conference ?11 Before I really knew what was happening I was Group Secretary - but that is another story! I continued to produce prints and members of the Group began to suggest 1'Apply for a Distinction." By now I was gaining confidence. I knew I could do it. I sent off ten prints thinking that the L,R.P.S. was mine. In due course back came a letter: "Dear Mr Brown, I regret • I took the prints to an advisory evening in London, and allowed them to be displayed for criticism. "This one wastes paper with a large area of nothing." "This one shows a complete lack of understanding of lighting." "I don't like cows anyway ••• " They left me with two pictures out of ten that were acceptable, but I now knew what they were looking for. I made eight more prints and sent they away. The postage is unbelievable! In due course a brown envelope arrived addressed to: J.E. BROWN LRPS I'd done it! I had arrived! The nagging doubts ceased - I had gained a distinction! I was God's Gift to Photography - the Society should be pleased to have me as a member. Within a few weeks the nagging doubts started again. "Of course the LRPS is only a start. Everybody should be able to get that. When are you going to apply for your ARPS? O.K. I thought. I've got my LRPS, so the ARPS should be easy. I sent off twelve prints. "These are well below standard" they said. I sent off twelve more. "Not sharp - poor lighting". Twelve more · "Lack of imagination". I was beginning to get disheartened. Then I saw a successful panel at the Group's Exhibition. At last I knew what the judges were looking for. I modelled my fifth application on this panel. The elation when the brown envelope arrived from Bath addressed to J.E. BROWN, A.R.P.S. was indescribable. Only I knew what disappointment and frustrations has occoured along the way. Only I knew how much encouragment I had been given by members of the Group. Only I knew how to celebrate this success! The celebrations had not died down before I got a 'phone call: "ARPS is fine, but when are you going to apply for Fellowship?" I will, I will, but right now I'm God's Gift to Photography again. • • • • • • •

THE~•& CRYSTAL PALACE CONFERENCE 31.

THE*('& CRYSTAL PALACE CONFERENCE This should of course read THE 1987 etc, but not operating the SHIFT KEY for the date results in an apparently rude exclamation • • • • • Maybe not, come to think about it! 0 en to all members the sub·ects selected as lectures workshops must of course cater for all aspects of A &: H Group activities.

FRIDAY: 5.30 for 6pm sherry reception with the President, Arthur Downes FRPS, followed by Brian Tremain, Chief Photographer of the British Museum on "EXPLORING CROSSED POLARISATION", followed by dinner at 8pm (Non-residents MUST book). A late-night filmshow will be preceeded by a lecture from John Adams ARPS.

SATURDAY 6.30am - early morning JOG in- the parklands. 10.30am - Dr Mike Apted on: "The UNESCO Convention for Monuments of World Importance" 11.30am - Gwyll Owen ARPS on: "JCB &: Onions" illustrated with slides. 12.30am - Lunch. 2.15pm A&:H GROUP A.G.M. 3.45pm - Reggie Mason FRPS, Editor RPS Journal on: "Pictures for Publication". 6.15pm - President Arthur Downes FRPS "Qualities sought in a Distinction panel". 7.30pm THAT SATURDAY NIGHT DINNER. (dress optional) Guests of Honour: the RPS President and his Lady. 9.30pm - After-Dinner technical discussion led by Gwyll Owen "Copying Slides &: Photographs". Towards midnight - Late night film show: "Coventry Cathedral" &: "Built to Sink".

SUNDAY 6.30am - early morning JOG in the parklands. l 0.30am - Mr CAD. 11.30am - Nigel Neil on: "Work of the Greater Manchester A_rcheological Trust" 12.30am - LUNCH 2.15pm - Rev. R. Pitt on "The Siting of Herod's Temple". Other well-known speakers at the weekend include Derek Merfield ARPS, John Walden LRPS, and further speakers as yet unconfirmed. There will be a short talk on atempts to ensure "THE PERFECT NEGATIVE". The Conference ends around 4.30 / 5pm As I write up the summer edition of "PROOF" - having requested Big Derek (our captive printer member) to go out and spend what is necessary to produce an issue just like the other Group Newsletters, I can't help a little nail-biting in case HQ refuse to meet the additional expenditure.

THE A & H GROUP NEWSLETTER IS PRODUCED VOLUNTARIL y AT COST or MATERIALS AND BOUGHT OUT SERVICES. EDITED by Victor Hepplethwalte ARPS

TYPESET (mostly) PRINTED AND BOUND BY:Oerek Merfleld ARPS, who also did the HALf - TONE SCREENING end PLA TEMAKING.

PROGRAMME

R.P.S.Archaeology & Heritage Group -------PROGRAMME--------

Friday 7th to Sunday 9th August 1987. A & H Group weekend in Durham. We will be spending the weekend at Durham Castle & lope to visit & photograph several places~! great historical interest including the Cathedral & Hadrian•s Wall. By now all the places may have been taken, but further information can be obtained by telephoning Arthur J,Page, A.R.P.S., Sittingbourne (0795) 75950. August 8th/9th & 15th/16th. R.P.S. Archaeology & Heritage Group's Summer Exhibition 1987. This will be on display at the "Dutch Barn" adjacent to the Horniman Museum, 100, London Road, Forest Hill, London, S.E.22. Admission is tree, & photographs taken py members 0£ the Gro~p will be on display. The· exhibition will be open £or the above two consecutive weekends. It will then transfer to the Avoncro£t Museum 0£ Buildings, Bromsgrove, Worcestershire, telephone 0527 31363,·where it will be on display for about a month.

Wednesday 23rd September 1987. The R.P.S.Historical Group is organising a private visit to the QUeen•s Gallery, Buckingham Palace, to see the exhibition "Crown & Camera". Tickets are t1.60 each & must be obtained in advance from: Richard Morris, Chairman RPS Historical Group, "Long Gable", Cherry Tree Lane, Chal£ont St. Peter, Bucks.,SL9 9DQ. Richard's phone number is 0753 883020. The meeting will start at 6 pm & will include a talk.

Sunday 27th September 1987. 2pm. The A & H Group has again this year been invited to return to the Horniman Museum, 100, Lond,n Road, Forest Hill, London, S.E.22. to see & to photograph some of the Museum's arti£acts. Studio facilities will be made available for our use, but numbers are limited. To reserve a place please telephone John Walden, L.R.P.S., 01-856 1026. Sunday 18th October 1987. 10am. Last year's Group visit to Windsor Castle was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended, & in response to several requests we have aranged a further visit. We will be meeting at the home of one of our members who lives next door to the Castle,at 10am. There is a wealth of historical interest & heritage in the town 0£ Windsor & the Castle is, 0£ course, magnificent. Another event not to be missed, Saturday 14th November 1987. Archaeology & Heritage Group meeting, to be arranged,

Satur<iay 12th December 1987. 10.30am. A & H Group visit to see & photograph the stately home of Polsden l'Acey, near Dorking, Surrey. Special permission has been obtained to take photos of the interior 0£ this fine country house, which will be opened especially £or us on this occasion. Bring your tripodst A charge of (2.00 will be made £or this visit. Following photography at Polsden l'Acey, the Group will be holding it's CHRISTMAS PARTY at the nearby home 0£ one of our members. For further details contact John Walden on 01-856 1026.