Unveiling the Treasures of the Lewis Morley Archive

The Lewis Morley Archive presents a fascinating glimpse into the world of photography, capturing iconic moments and figures that have shaped the artistic landscape. This assessment dives into the efforts to enhance the accessibility and preservation of this extensive collection.

Cataloguing the Lewis Morley Archive

Comprising a whopping 103 boxes of material, the Lewis Morley Archive originally arrived in an unsorted manner, packed in non-archival boxes with incompatible packaging. This setup limited accessibility for both staff and researchers, necessitating comprehensive attention to ensure longevity.

The mission at hand is to organize the archive into a readily usable format, improve storage conditions, assign unique reference numbers to items, and develop an online catalogue accessible to researchers. A concerted effort is underway to achieve these objectives.

Initiating Cataloguing

A comprehensive project plan serves as the foundation for the cataloguing process, detailing tasks to be accomplished, timelines, and desired outcomes. This structured approach ensures collaboration with colleagues and includes multiple essential steps. After evaluating the archive for hazards, the next phase involves an initial inventory of the materials. A box list must first be compiled to assist in restructuring the items.

Box listing utilizes a spreadsheet template to capture basic data about each box’s contents, guiding important cataloguing decisions, including the organization of materials into thematic series. This phase also flags any data protection concerns, outlines the extent and dates of materials, and maps each box’s location.

To date, remarkable progress has been made, with initial information compiled for approximately 65 boxes. Following this step, the data collected will streamline the creation of a user-friendly catalogue.

Discovering Highlights in the Lewis Morley Archive

This archive showcases a treasure trove of materials, including correspondence, exhibition files, photographic prints, negatives, Polaroids, and assorted ephemera.

As the box listing progresses, several noteworthy items have come to light, reflecting both the diversity and the depth of Morley’s work.

Negatives

Rich in original negatives, this collection features many from Morley’s active years in the 1960s. With a preference for black and white photography, most negatives follow this format, although some were captured in color. Organised alphabetically into folders, these negatives are often paired with small illustrative prints, providing a quick overview of their contents. The subjects range from portraits to fashion and reportages, particularly highlighting the artistic scenes in London and Paris.

Contact Prints

During the prolific 1960s, Morley frequently photographed numerous rising stars. As the official photographer for Peter Cook’s The Establishment Club and various theatre companies, he produced images used for playbills and promotional materials. His early contact prints exemplify a bustling photographer’s routine, with negatives hastily arranged to offer a quick summary of the shots taken, often annotated and shared for easy reference.

Photographic Proofs

Morley maintained ‘proof’ versions of his photographs in small spiral-bound books, classified by themes such as portraits or magazine features. This organization made it convenient for clients or organizations to select images for reproduction. Annotations on the reverse side of proofs often note dates, descriptions, and locations, adding additional context.

Polaroids and Transfers

After relocating to Australia in the 1970s, Morley embraced fashion and interior photography for various publications. In his later years, he ventured into hobbies, experimenting with still life photography and Polaroid transfers—an intriguing image manipulation technique involving transferring a Polaroid print onto varying surfaces. This artistic phase yielded numerous examples showcasing his creative explorations.

Stay tuned for further updates on this ongoing cataloguing endeavor as more treasures from the Lewis Morley Archive will be revealed, shedding light on items connected to notable figures such as the 1960s artist, actress, and model Pauline Boty, who sits prominently in Morley’s collection.

In summary, the Lewis Morley Archive not only holds historical significance but also offers a glimpse into the dynamic world of photography. While reviews and feedback can provide insights, nothing beats personal experience. On LocalsRide, individuals can easily hire a car with a driver from verified providers at competitive prices, allowing them to navigate their journeys without unnecessary stress. Users stand to gain from the convenience, affordability, and expansive vehicle options that LocalsRide.com offers.

In light of all that has been shared, the Lewis Morley Archive exemplifies the rich tapestry of artistic heritage. It reminds us of the importance of preserving such cultural touchstones. For your next adventure, leverage the value of LocalsRide to arrange your global transfers with confidence, ensuring a stress-free travel experience. Book your Ride with LocalsRide.com.