The Linked Ring Photography Movement was a groundbreaking artistic movement. It emerged in the late 19th century and continued through the early 20th century. It revolutionized photography as an art form, connecting photographers across different countries and backgrounds.
It elevated the status of photography from a mere technical craft to a recognized art form. This article explores the origins, significance, and key participants. It also touches on the legacy of the Linked Ring Photography Movement.
Cover photo - J.B.B. Wellington - Eventide
History of the Linked Ring Group
During the late 19th century, photography was mainly seen as a mechanical and scientific process. Photographers strived to capture images with technical precision. However, a growing number of artists felt that photography should be more than a record of reality.
They believed that it had the potential to convey emotions, express individual artistic visions, and be a medium for self-expression. The Linked Ring Movement was founded to promote artistic photography. It fostered creativity among its members.
The Linked Ring Photography Movement was established in London in 1892. A group of photographers sought to create a forum that would challenge the prevailing photographic conventions of the time. The movement's name, "Linked Ring," was inspired by the idea of photographers forging interconnected rings. It symbolized the unity among artists who shared a common vision for photography as an artistic expression.
The Selecting Committee of the Photographic Salon of the Linked Ring
Importance and Purpose of the Linked Ring
The primary goal of the Linked Ring Movement was to elevate photography to the status of fine art. By rejecting the rigid rules of commercial photography and the dominant Pictorialist movement, Linked Ring members sought to demonstrate that photography could be a valid means of artistic expression. They saw it as comparable to painting and drawing.
The movement's manifesto declared that the Linked Ring would only exhibit "artistic" photographs. They had to be free from excessive retouching and manipulation. They believed that the essence of a photograph should lie in the skillful composition, use of light, and emotional impact it conveyed. This approach challenged the prevailing norms. It lead to the acceptance of photography as an art form in its own right.
Participants and Key Figures
The Linked Ring attracted prominent photographers from various parts of the world. Some of the notable participants include:
George Davison - A key figure and co-founder of the Linked Ring. Davison was a pioneer of artistic photography and played a crucial role in promoting the movement's ideals.
Frederick H. Evans - An English photographer celebrated for his evocative architectural and landscape images. Evans was a significant member of the Linked Ring and also contributed to the movement's literary magazine, "The Photogram."
Alvin Langdon Coburn - An American photographer. Coburn was known for his innovative use of soft-focus and pictorial techniques. He was an influential member of the Linked Ring and helped establish the American Linked Ring.
George Davison
Legacy and Impact of the Linked Ring Group
The Linked Ring Photography Movement's impact was profound and far-reaching. By challenging the conventions of photography, the movement shifted the perception of the medium from technical to artistic. This led to greater recognition and appreciation of photography as a legitimate art form. The movement's emphasis on individual creativity and expression laid the groundwork for future artistic movements.
Furthermore, the Linked Ring fostered international connections among photographers. This encouraged the exchange of ideas and techniques. It inspired the establishment of similar groups in other countries, such as the American Linked Ring and the German "Das Kleeblatt." These collective efforts helped consolidate photography's status as an art form on a global scale.