Robert Frank and Todd Webb: Across America, 1955

[warden]

I had a chance to walk this show over the weekend and just want to make sure those that may be visiting the Philadelphia area are aware of the exhibition, which will be at the Brandywine until May 11.

It's remarkable that these two men both received Guggenheim fellowships in the same year, and each were recommended for their fellowships by Walker Evans, and yet they apparently didn't know each other or know about each other's projects. It makes for great comparison viewing and a fine way to spend a couple of hours. Webb never published his work by the way, and Frank very much did publish his.

My only gripe, and it's a fairly minor one I suppose, is that 100% of Frank's images are vintage silver gelatin prints and 100% of Webb's images are inkjet and printed last year. It would have been nice to see Webb's images treated to period correct printing.

Robert Frank and Todd Webb: Across America, 1955 | Brandywine Conservancy and Museum of Art

In 1955, two photographers, Robert Frank and Todd Webb, received separate fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation for U.S. survey projects...

www.brandywine.org

 

[Peter Schrager]

My exact sentiments

 

[logan2z]

I'd love to see it but I'm on the wrong coast. I might have to make do with the book.

 

[warden]

I'd love to see it but I'm on the wrong coast. I might have to make do with the book.

The museum was closing on our way out so I didn’t have enough time to check the book unfortunately. But what a show. Webb traveled by foot, bike and boat, and used several formats of film. He got to know his subjects and collected their contact info so he could send them prints after the trip. By all accounts a personable guy, making friends along the way And getting the shots he wanted.

Frank kept a distance from his subjects and ended up with images that had more of an edge.

Both great, though. I may see the show once more before it departs.

 

[logan2z]

The museum was closing on our way out so I didn’t have enough time to check the book unfortunately.

There's a complete flip-through of the book here if you want to check it out:

 

[Ben 4]

Thanks for the notice—I live about an hour away and will try to get over to see it next month!