I hope the following is helpful.
Unfortunately, due to space constraint, this is a much abbreviated version of a fascinating and significant piece of discarded Canadian history.
Reference to the substantial research carried out by Graham W Garrett in the early 1990’s, ultimately published in 1996 prior to the discovery, has had to be omitted. It may even have been Garrett’s pursuit of the facts that led to the discovery. His work has largely gone unacknowledged.
Unlike today, in addition to the process being inordinately time consuming, the apparatus required to create photographs then was extremely cumbersome, weighing in excess of seventy pounds. Fortunately, Pattinson had traveling companions to assist him. The above image is of course laterally reversed. Table Rock can be seen on the left when it should be on the right. The small figure seen to the lower left is widely believed to be Pattinson himself. The figure also appears in the aquatint published by N. M. P. Lerebours (1807-1873) in Excursion Daguerriennes (1840-1844) which was engraved from this daguerreotype. Prior to the discovery it was not known whether the figure was part of the original image or had been added for effect by the engraver, common practice at the time.
This is but a small part of a much larger project. Discussion is underway with The Niagara Parks Commission toward the creation of a commemorative device to inform and educate visitors to the Falls, who to this day emulate Pattinson, entirely unaware they are carrying on a tradition begun nearly one hundred and seventy years ago.
robinjanderson@live.com
Fortunately, Pattinson had traveling companions to assist him. The above image is of course laterally reversed. Table Rock can be seen on the left when it should be on the right. The small figure seen to the lower left is widely believed to be Pattinson himself. The figure also appears in the aquatint published by N. M. P. Lerebours (1807-1873) in Excursion Daguerriennes (1840-1844) which was engraved from this daguerreotype.
This is NOT the first photo ever taken in Canada. Photography in two forms was announced in 1839 and shortly after the announcements, amateurs and professional were reported to be using the one or another process in a number of Canadian newspapers.
“The first recorded photograph of Niagara Falls was a daguerreotype made by H.L. Pattinson …”
The Taking of Niagara - a history of the Falls in photography
by Dr. Anthony Bannon
Director, George Eastman House International Museum of Photography & Film
Better late than never.
Further to the contents of my comment above.
The Niagara Parks Commission has now placed a commemorative plaque in the Maid of the Mist Plaza to inform and educate visitors to the Falls of Pattinson's work; the making of the first photograph of Niagara Falls.
