Writing with Light: An exhibit of early to mid-twentieth century
cameras
If you venture over to Hewes Library this winter break, note the three exhibit cases on the main level brimming with a unique collection of antique cameras. The cameras, dating from the turn of the century to the 1960's, are a donation of retired Monmouth College physics professor Dr. Peter Kloeppel.
Dr. Kloeppel is a connoisseur and collector of antique cameras and obtained most, if not all, of the cameras at local Warren County auctions. This collection was donated to the Monmouth College Art Department to foster understanding of the physics, and art, of capturing an image.
Despite the differences in size, material, decade, and design, the cameras here all contain the basics: lens, shutter, and light-sensitive material allowing photographers to “write with light”. No matter your understanding of the physics of picture-making, the cameras can be appreciated as objects of beauty unto themselves.
The exhibit will be available for viewing until early January. Thank you to Professor Brian Baugh for making this exhibit possible.
