In this video, I share how I designed, built, and use my custom-made mobile dark box for wet plate collodion in the field.
I am embarking on an artistic journey to document Missouri’s historic grist mills and covered bridges before they disappear.
Utilizing the historic wet plate collodion technique, prominent from the 1850s through the 1880s, this project aims to mirror the period when these mills and covered bridges were being constructed and thriving as community and industrial hubs. Through my lens, I strive to capture the enduring spirit and rich heritage of these iconic structures, preserving a pivotal chapter in Missouri’s history through a method that, like the covered bridges and mills themselves, requires meticulous handcrafting and a deep understanding of chemistry and traditional analog techniques.
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The Historical Tapestry of Missouri: Grist Mills, Covered Bridges, and the Wet Plate Collodion Process
Missouri’s journey from a burgeoning territory to a state entwined with the Industrial Revolution and the evolution of photographic technology paints a vivid picture of progress and preservation.
Early Statehood and the Rise of Grist Mills
Missouri’s statehood in 1821 marked the beginning of significant economic and social development in the region. Amidst growing settlements, covered bridges and grist mills emerged as community cornerstones, vital for transportation and grinding grain into flour, which was essential for daily sustenance and also as a trade commodity. The establishment of these covered bridges and mills was not just about transportation and food production; they were integral to the agricultural economy, fostering community growth and stability across the state.
Throughout the 19th century, as settlers moved westward, the demand for bridges and mills grew, leading to a boom in construction. These bridges and mills were often built along Missouri’s abundant rivers and streams, harnessing water power for mechanical advantage and providing necessary access to key areas. By mid-century, Missouri was well-dotted with these indispensable structures, some of which still stand today as historical sites.
Technological Advancement: The Wet Plate Collodion Era
Frederick Scott Archer introduced the wet plate collodion process in the 1850s when many of Missouri’s covered bridges and mills were already operational, and some were still being built. This photographic technique, involving a glass or metal plate coated with a collodion solution to capture images, became immensely popular due to its ability to produce detailed and relatively quick results compared to earlier methods.
The wet plate era, spanning from the 1850s to the 1880s, aligned with a significant phase of Missouri’s industrial growth. Photographers equipped with this new technology could capture the bustling activities and architectural majesty of the covered bridges and grist mills, which by then were integral to Missouri’s landscape. The state’s rich streams and rivers powered the mills and the covered bridges also facilitated the transport of grain and flour, amplifying the agricultural economy. Covered bridges and grist mills were important and pivotal in the evolution of people and Missouri’s rich history.
Legacy and Preservation
Today, Missouri’s surviving covered bridges and grist mills serve as a portal to the past, offering insights into the state’s industrial heritage and the communities they supported. The wet plate collodion process, now revered for its historical significance and the unique aesthetic it offers, is an ideal medium for documenting these bridges and mills. Through this method, each image connects the present to an era when these bridges and mills were a lifeline to Missouri’s settlers.
In the Missouri Mills & Covered Bridges: A Collodion Chronicle project, I aim to capture and preserve the spirit and legacy of Missouri’s remaining covered bridges and grist mills through a photographic process that is part of the same bygone era. This endeavor highlights these bridges and mills’ architectural and historical significance and underscores the importance of preserving and appreciating Missouri’s rich history.
As I continue to explore and document these historic structures, they remind us of the ingenuity and perseverance of past generations and the enduring relevance of Missouri’s industrial roots in shaping the state’s identity.
