It did predate digital, but the use was not generalized until digital came to the forefront. Before that, as you note, it was used mainly by curators, not by the public and not really in mainstream exhibits.
PE
That's how I first came across it: a simple, fairly accurate way for curators to describe what it was. It was not a pretentious version of 'black and white print'. It has been around for a while - it predates digital inkjet printing and, therefore, was not originally a reaction to it.
Best,
Helen
PE,
I was told the story about the cows by a university professor who lived in Rochester. He has a fierce sense of humor and this must have been a joke to get at the vegans in the class.
I agree with Helen B and as far back as I can remember when going to art / photography exhibitions serious practitioneers have been labelled their work as Silver Gelatin prints,(or whatever is apt), also Silver-Selenium or Selenium-Silver to convey the additional information that the print has been Selenium toned for archival permanence.It did predate digital, but the use was not generalized until digital came to the forefront. Before that, as you note, it was used mainly by curators, not by the public and not really in mainstream exhibits.
PE
That's how I first came across it: a simple, fairly accurate way for curators to describe what it was. It was not a pretentious version of 'black and white print'. It has been around for a while - it predates digital inkjet printing and, therefore, was not originally a reaction to it.
Best,
Helen
I agree. The term silver gelatin pre-dates digital inkjet printing by a very long time, at least a couple of decades. I can not remember the first time I saw the term, but it was in the late 70s or early 80s, and in a museum exhibition of a photographer.
I think of myself as both printmaker and photographer, and proper identificaiton as to process is very important to me. Years ago on one of the rec.photo newsgroups I got into a discussion (i.e. = major flame war) on this subject with someone who thought that the best term for all photographs was "picture." All I can say is that he made real bad pictures.
Sandy
Many years ago, Kodak conducted experiments using synthetic polymers to replace the more expensive gelatin in their emulsions. They were never completely successful since it was determined that the gelatin is more than just a mechanical support for the silver halide grains. The gelatin actually affects such things as the sensitivity of the emulsion and cannot be completely eliminated. Today's emulsions use both gelatin and certain polymers in their manufacture.I always assumed they used some polymer based coating. I've always used Ilford paper but never heard mention of gelatin.
Many years ago, Kodak conducted experiments using synthetic polymers to replace the more expensive gelatin in their emulsions. They were never completely successful since it was determined that the gelatin is more than just a mechanical support for the silver halide grains. The gelatin actually affects such things as the sensitivity of the emulsion and cannot be completely eliminated. Today's emulsions use both gelatin and certain polymers in their manufacture.
DannL,
call albumen whatever MOMA tells you to. Good luck with the show.
I like this one too.Or just "Fiber-based silver print."
Don't you mean CR Paper?...I think the answer to the original question might depend on what side of the Atlantic ocean you are.
i.e. it is silver-gelatin, if it is 8x10, and it is gelatin-silver, if it is 10x8.
Matt
P.S. - don't forget about RC paper
I prefer the more informative and straightforward style many photographers use, such as: "Prints made on archivally-processed Ilford Multigrade IV fiber paper." Or just "Fiber-based silver print."
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