, 1874-08-02

From fhf -ttW 6F* iFi1uf&.
Photography is an art requiring dcft skill, del
icate manipulation, and an artistic eye; these
qualifications render it . profession peculiarly
fitted for women to follow, and accordingly thore
are found great Numbers throughout the coun-
try occupying positions as '' poserB," " retouch-
CTS" II colorsts," etc., while in most photograph
galleries ladies are employed in tho reception
room,
Up to 1870, however, there existed no organ
ICED place OF instruction where women could
thoroughly learn this art in all its branches;
and those whose attention was directed to 1t as \
means Of gaining livelihood we're obliged to en-
ter galleries and there bo tasht posing, rctouch-
ing, coloring, and mouating,-tho ohief branches
for Which they are employed. In the full Of 1871,
this desideratun WIS esta blished by the Trus-
tees Of Cooper Institute, who, recognizing tho
eminent fitness Of women for al art SO closely
akin to drawing in its results, and which re-
quires about the eame qualifications decided to
add Photographic Department to their school.
This department, when organized, was placed
under the charge Of Prof. Carl Hecker, who, as
sisted By q lady teacher, still Buperintenls its
working. 1t is divided into three distinct classes
In the first of these, the chemical or operating
class aro taught the uso and preparation OF all
chemicals employed in photography, and tho
ing In the second division, the retouchiug Of
negatives and positiyes is taught; and in the
third, the coIoring Of photographs. Photo
crayon may also bo learned in the Institute by
any who desire to do no.
Women have not hitherto been engaged to fill
positions in gallarics As operators OF printers,
photographers considering the operating-room
"no place for woman." Ono gave it as his
aud tho fumes of the chemicals. ''shc
would wilt i'll no time" ho observed.
The women are likely to conccdo this
point, since few of them. young or old, strong
minded or weak-mindcd, are willing to lave
their hands continually stained with nitrate Of
silver. q stain which can only be removed by the
use Of cyanide OF potassium. q highly poisonous
chemical, dangerous to tho Life and exceedingly
injurious to the general health of operators
Indeed, Lea and otiier photographers have earn
Photographic chemicals, but without SUCCESS, as
no other substance has been discovered that cnn |
fully aupply the important place it occupies, |
in regard to ferTotypcs. Nctvlth- |
standing its dangerous properties, the cyanide is
likely to remain Photographic fixture; owing
to its peculiar reaction with nitrato OF silver, |
operators arc compelled to use it as a cleansing
agent, or their hands would soon rival those of |
our sable brethren.
Putting asidcd tho health question, women
would Boon find the item Of drcas al expensive
one in the operating room, as the Young ladies'
Of Cooper Institute learned by dire experience. /
il
care very little about his outward appearance;
hut 10 lady would like to 70 round in dresses OF
wrappers which look rs if they had received the
contents Of half q dozen bottles of various coll
women will ever care to compete with nsn in
This branch OF the business. AZ, however,
mistress who thoroughly understands kitchen
economy is far moro likely to be well served by
her domestics than one to whom the low
er region and all pertaining to it is
an unknown myHterv,-who IS left in
8 state Of complete help1essuess when
it's inhabitants depart,-so it is very necessary
for ladies' intending to start galleries Of their
own, to be well acquainted with tho practical
working Of the operating room, and thus guard
sgains: waste, be able to trace any uishapB that
may arise from careless operating to their prop
Or source, and in any sudden emergencies take
charge OF it themselves. In tho branch Of
Is one-the hi1,dcrances in the way OF womcn's
employment are much leascned though not cr-
tirely obviated it is pleasant, clean work, but
printers ese obliged to be constantly on their
noH1an's strength and endurance, Young men
generally occupy this position in galleries.
Posing presents more inviting aspect. re-
luirtng, a. 1t does quick cyc, good taste, and
| sense OF What is graceful and becoming, for
oosers must be able to place sitters in attitudes
4 which they nil show to tho best advantage
Ind sec that all the accessories Of tho picture
ire In perfect harmony With the subject. The
'bitr to 40 this Is IN many instances intuitirely
'osscsstd By women, and the tins may come
Then this branch will pass entirely into their
lands. At present the propHeto-s Of most gal
cries take charge Of it themselves, and many
lave achieved enriable regulations BY peculiar
uccass in this respect. Tho salary Of toler-
eceiTlng as high as $50. The mounting Of
'rints is an operation quickly learned and re-
[uirins but little skill, consequently the remu-
lexstion il not large. Girls of Is and z8 are