Well, I got a real surprise today. When I got in from work I found a note from the postman to look in our log shed for a package. I looked and there was the largest jiffy bag I've ever seen!
I quickly tore open the package and was presented with an incredibly professional plastic sleeve, black backing board and professionally mounted print with tissue paper across the print to protect it in the mount. Impressed? You bet. I then discovered an envelope and inside was a hand written note from Delphine.
I read the note before removing the tissue paper from the print and it made all the difference. Delphine's description of a freak snowy day in London, the atmosphere and the obvious pleasure she took in capturing it made the print wonderfully intelligible and inspiring.
I strip away the tissue paper to view an image of a snowy Golden Square. The composition is cleverly symmetrical and yet not so - just the sort of composition that the human brain loves to interpret. Delphine had gone to the trouble of bleaching back and toning the print in gold which cooled the print down sufficiently to convey the coldness of the day without becoming cartoony.
I consider this print to be much more than a simple exchange - it's a present and an insight into a day that happened six years ago, a day that obviously affected the photographer and which shines through in the stunningly presented print.
I feel quite ashamed at the simple presentation of my own print!
Thanks Delphine
Barry