17 Regent St
S.W. London
13th Nov /58
W. H. Fox Talbot Esqre
Sir
At the last meeting of the Photographic Society, I had the pleasure of seeing some specimens of your photoglyphic Engraving. <1> I examined them with a powerful magnifier, and found them possessed of marvellous qualities – the most minute details being rendered with great truthfulness, and all so fine and delicate that the writing on the walls was perfectly legible. The process, as such, seems to be complete – the manipulation somewhat defective. The different specimens I saw were not all equally good. In some the lights were perfect, in others the shaded parts were best rendered. This seemed to me a conclusive proof that the process, if properly worked, was capable of giving the entire picture correctly.
I suspect that much will depend upon the photograph from which the engraving is made, i.e. there must be a certain balance between the lights and shadows, and each must have peculiar qualities. The lights must be vigorous and at the same time transparent – the shadows clear yet full of detail. Be this as it may, there is still something in the manipulatory part of the process to be achieved. In the Bridge of Prague for instance, the shadows are unsatisfactory – there is a want of transparency and detail. Now this may arise from defective qualities in the positive from improper exposure to the light – or from an injudicious use of the perchloride in etching. I think, with your process, proper manipulation would have produced a finer result.
Since the year /51 when I was with Mr N. Henneman of 122 Regent St. <2> I have devoted all my time and attention to the study of photography. I am so conversant with the various kinds of pyroxiline [sic], that I can make it to produce a collodion suitable to the purpose for which it is wanted, whether it is required to be wet for portraits or other things indoors, or for out-door pictures by the dry processes in the sun.
I have long regarded photography as one of the greatest scientific discoveries of the age, yet I have often regretted that its results were so unsatisfactory from the instability attaching to all silver pictures. When your photoglyphic engraving is fully brought into operation then, and not till then, will photography be complete. To perfect the manipulatory part, and bring the process into general use, assistance will be required. I beg to offer myself as one who would feel proud to be engaged in such a work. I am at present established in Regent St. but such faith have I in the future of photoglyphic engraving that I would not hesitate for a moment to give up my present establishment for the purpose of undertaking any experiments with which you may think fit to entrust me. I am a single man and of inexpensive habits – I should merely require what might be sufficient to cover expenses, I could have a room or two in London for a time, or I could come into the country, – I feel persuaded that in a few months, with your assistance, I could make your new process, as manageable and certain as any of the ordinary photographic processes.
Trusting that you will pardon the liberty I have taken in thus addressing you –
I have the honor to remain Sir, Your Obedt Servt
John Watson
[address panel:]
Mr John Watson – 17, Regent St
W. H. Fox Talbot Esqre
Laycock Abbey
Chippenham
Wilts.
Notes:
1. This was at the meeting of 2 November 1858. WHFT had written to the Chairman, Roger Fenton, 'saying that the specimens are mere essays, to give some idea of the nature of the invention'. The Journal of the Photographic Society, 6 November 1858, v. 5 no. 72, p. 54. The original letter has not been located.
2. Nicolaas Henneman (1813-1898), Dutch, active in England; WHFT's valet, then assistant; photographer; opened calotype printing studio in Reading in 1843 and transferred to London in 1848.