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Photomechanical printing in Europe in the mid-19th century: History, theory, visual culture, science and the international network in the 1840s-1860s

Project description

Mass reproduction of photographs in the mid-19th century

PHOTOMECHANICS examines photomechanical printing as a fundamental part of photographic history, art history, science and visual culture, between the introduction of photography in the late 1830s and the onset of industrial mass-production of photography-based images in the 1860s in the UK, France and the Austrian Empire. The research comprises collection and archival surveys, visual, material and contextual analysis and interpretation of original objects (prints and matrices), as well as close reading of correspondence, manuscripts and period publications. The project will look at social structures and networks of inventors, supporters, critics, and users, paying attention to discussions about potential and the future of photomechanical printing. This project considers perspectives on the development of photography-based technology and its interpretation.

Objective

The project examines the pioneering era of photomechanical printing as a fundamental part of history of photography, art, science and modern visual culture. It focuses on the first three decades of development of photomechanical technologies, i.e. the era between the introduction of photography in the late 1830s and the outset of industrial mass-production of photography-based images in the 1860s. It centres on the UK, France and the Austrian Empire, as countries which played leading parts in the photomechanical research and practice from the 1840s onwards. Considering the state of the art of existing scholarship, as well as the amount and variety of preserved sources, the research will comprise collection and archival surveys, visual, material and contextual analysis and interpretation of original objects (prints and matrices), as well as close reading of correspondence, manuscripts and period publications. In order to understand the circumstances and cultural contexts in which different photomechanical technologies emerged and developed, the project will also look at social structures and networks of inventors, supporters, critics, and users. Great attention will be paid to theoretical period discussions on potential and the future of photomechanical printing. More elaborate knowledge of these phenomena will help to understand not only history of photography, but also history of art and science, and to consider more carefully different perspectives on development of photography-based technology and its interpretation. Through close collaboration with the supervisor and the partner institutions, the fellow will be able to extend her research beyond history of photography, and to enhance her complex research capacities, inter-sectoral collaboration, networking, leadership, managerial and publication skills. Advanced training through research, dissemination and communication activities will contribute significantly to the fellow’s professional and career development.

Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)

Programme(s)

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Topic(s)

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Funding Scheme

Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.

MSCA-IF-EF-ST - Standard EF

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Call for proposal

Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.

(opens in new window) H2020-MSCA-IF-2018

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Coordinator

DE MONTFORT UNIVERSITY
Net EU contribution

Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.

€ 112 466,88
Address
THE GATEWAY
LE1 9BH Leicester
United Kingdom

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Region
East Midlands (England) Leicestershire, Rutland and Northamptonshire Leicester
Activity type
Higher or Secondary Education Establishments
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Total cost

The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.

€ 112 466,88
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