Empire, Early Photography and Spectacle: The Global Career of Showman Daguerreotypist J.W. Newland

James William Newlands (1810–1857) was a showman daguerreotypist who created powerful new visual experiences for audiences in volatile colonial societies using the latest developments in photography, theatre, and spectacle. His surviving portraits are assessed against other visual ephemera and archival records, and his magic lantern and theatre shows are reconstructed and analyzed. This book provides a revealing case study of someone brokering new experiences with optical technologies for varied audiences at the forefront of the age of modern vision.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2020
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

James William Newlands (1810–1857) embarked on a remarkable career as a daguerreotypist, showcasing his talents across the United States, Central and South America, the Pacific, New Zealand, colonial Australia, and even India. With a keen eye for innovation and a passion for spectacle, Newland utilized the latest advancements in photography, theater, and visual spectacle to captivate audiences in these diverse and volatile colonial societies. His surviving, vibrant portraits stand as a testament to his artistic prowess, and this book assesses them against other visual ephemera and archival records of his time. Through meticulous reconstruction and analysis of his magic lantern and theater shows, Newland's short but remarkable career sheds new light on the complex worlds of the mid-nineteenth century. This book offers a captivating case study of a visionary individual who bridged the gap between optical technologies and diverse audiences, paving the way for the age of modern vision.

Scholars in art and visual culture, photography, the history of photography, and Victorian history will find immense value in this book. It delves into the rich tapestry of Newlands's life and work, providing a deep understanding of his contributions to the field of photography and his impact on the cultural landscape of the mid-nineteenth century.

In conclusion, "James William Newlands: A Showman Daguerreotypist in Colonial Worlds" is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the life and career of a remarkable artist. Through meticulous research and analysis, it sheds light on Newlands's innovative techniques, his ability to captivate audiences, and his profound impact on the development of photography and visual culture in the mid-nineteenth century. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in art, history, and the evolution of visual media.

Weight: 604g
Dimension: 251 x 180 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350130364