Shots from the Grand Opening

Wow!  What an evening!  Sorry to take an extra day to get up the pictures from the Grand Opening, but you know how darkroom work is -- it always takes more time than you think it will. . . . Anyhow, here they are, at last, just a handful of shots from the long-awaited museum opening night.

Evan arrives with a portfolio of huge prints, just in time for eats!  The wine is open and poured and the guests have begun to arrive.

Looking around the room, Evan finds that Kate has set down her glass of wine, once again ready to show off one of our two stereoscopes.  Is that an 1890 slide from Paris that she's got in there now?  Whatever it is, you can bet that Kate, who was the driving force behind the whole museum project, will know absolutely everything about it!

Our new (old) projector was a real hit.  It's a one-of-a-kind and in mint condition.  On the antique blanket chest behind it, you can see our other stereoscope.

"It's not right unless it's absolutely perfect."  We're pretty sure that's Ron's motto -- if he has one.  Here he's adjusting the shades to give just the right balance of reflected light in our second floor studio area.  At times, we've cursed Ron's perfectionism -- it always makes us work a lot harder.  In the end, though, we've got a much better product and are thankful for his eagle eye.  That's Bear on the floor, watching his every move.

For a limited time, guests will be allowed to explore the third floor R & R area -- mainly because we've run out of wall space on the first two floors and if you're coming to The Red Door Museum, you've simply got to see the Niepce print that started it all.

Thank you all for joining us last night!  It was great to see everyone and we hope to see you again soon!

Grand Opening Tomorrow Evening! Come by for the Wine, the Cheese, and a Wonderful Trip Through the History of Photography.

As you might guess, we've been really pushing to get everything ready for tonight's Grand Opening!  Before I start with the pictures show, though, I want to be sure to invite one and all to attend.  Wine, cheese, beautiful old photographs and one special new equipment acquisition.  Please do drop by!

So, here you go.  In the days leading up to this evening, we took quite a few images of our lovely museum to show off the art work before the crowds arrive.  Here's a taste of what's in store for you.

Some of our latest acquisitions.  How many can you identify?

We acquired this wonderful projector, along with four slide carriers (with slides!) at an estate sale.  It was a real find.

Evan admires Gertrude Kassebier's lovely 1899 image, Blessed Art Thou Among Women.

Kate shows off one of our two stereoscopes.  We also have an impressive collection of slides for them.  Behind her are four iconic images.  From top left going clockwise:  Cartier-Bresson's Derrière la gare Saint-Lazare, Paris, 1932; Dorothea Lange's immortal Migrant Mother, 1936; and Andrei Kertesz' Pont Neuf, 1931.  Partially visible is also Talbot's Latticed Window, 1830.

On the second floor walls, you'll find (from top left, then down, then right) David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson's Newhaven Fishwife, ca. 1843-1847; an Edward S. Curtis' image from The North American Indian, ca.1907-1930; Marcia Bhide's Can I Play Too, 2008; and Frederick's Photographic Temple of Art, New York City, photographer unknown, ca. 1850.  On the floor, waiting to be archived, are a few extra reproductions of images on our walls.

Also on the ground floor:  Julia Margaret Cameron's portrait of Julia Jackson, 1867 (top); and the wonderful Alfred Steiglitz portrait of Georgia O'Keefe, 1918.

Once we add the planned annex, these photographs will move to the new ground floor space.  For now, on the third floor, you won't want to miss (from left) the photograph that started it all -- Joseph Nicéphore Niépce's View from the Window at le Gras, 1826; Jacob Riis' muckracking image, Mullen's Alley, 1888; and Daguerre's long exposure of  The Boulevard du Temple, 1838.

And there are even more wonderful photographs!  Be sure to come to the Grand Opening tomorrow evening.  We'll be waiting for you!