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Dimensions: each slide approximately 3 1/4 in. (8.3 cm.) square

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Provenance: PROPERTY FROM THE COLLECTION OF GEORGE TICE

Acquired by the present owner from the photographer's son, Evan Evans, in 1970

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Notes: This series of lantern slides includes what is arguably Evans's most artful study of ecclesiastical architecture, A Sea of Steps. This is joined here by two other variant studies of the stairs, each illustrating Evans's skill in the use of natural light to alter the appearance and mood of a scene. One of these images, 'Stairs of the Entrance to Chapter House,' is represented in duplicate, one image being slightly darker and having more contrast. These lantern slide variants show Evans's technical ability in creating two alternate, but equally compelling, views from the same negative.

The slides and lecture notes were likely prepared by Evans as a presentation to the Royal Photographic Society. The lecture compliments the slides in conducting the viewer on a step-by-step tour of the interior and exterior of Wells Cathedral in southern England. Evans included images made over a period of years, during which time he observed all aspects of the magnificent structure throughout the seasons and at different times of day, waiting for the opportune moment to capture the essence of a scene. As Evans writes in the lecture notes that accompany this lot:

'All my pictures are taken with the chief aim and desire of picture making, to recall to myself and possibly others, the beauties of the building in its effects of light and shade, its marvels of composition, its exquisite details, and its perfect cathedral atmosphere and charm... It requires special study and much leisure to isolate the innumerable pictures the building has in the making, to study all its manifold and wonderful effects of light and shade, and no single visit of an hour or so can possibly make a great building yield up its full series of charms and beauties. There are many lovely effects of light and shade visible, existent only, in a morning, or in an afternoon, or on a grey day or a sunshiny day, and all have to be patiently watched for and noted.'

Evans was a great believer in the effectiveness of lantern slides and took a great deal of care in reducing his original 8 by 10-inch negatives to the 3 1/4-inch lantern slide format. In an article entitled 'Artistic Photography in Lantern Slides,' Evans discussed his exacting approach to the lantern slide process:

'... the experience gained in trying for perfect results in the transparent medium leads one, I am sure, to a keener eye for false values, slovenly attempts at false art effects, muddy tones, inappropriate colors, etc., etc. Things that one may, perhaps, pass in a paper print are impossible of acceptance in a lantern slide' (The Amateur Photographer, July 19, 1903).

This series of lantern slides demonstrates not only Evans's complete devotion to the techniques and aesthetics of photography, but also his appreciation and understanding of Gothic architecture.

The photographer George Tice acquired these slides from Evan Evans, the photographer's son, during a 1970 trip to England with the photographs dealer Lee Witkin.