Tinkering About: A Photographic Exhibition

Adrian Cook began taking photographs using the wet plate collodion process, a 19th century method of photo development, in an effort to recreate the aesthetic qualities and characteristics lost with the demise of film.

In contrast to the manipulation and transience of digital imagery, his practice exploits the unpredictability of this complex alchemical process to produce unique handmade metal and glass plates. These works seek to recall both the restraint and resonance of early tintypes, crafted to honour the occasion and to memorialise. 

The exhibition showcases portraits, still life, and landscapes captured using the wet plate collodion process. Each image is hand-crafted, producing an original direct-positive image on a sheet of glass or aluminimum plate. 

Entry to the house, which includes entry to the exhibition, is $10 for adults, accompanied children and Hertiage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga members are free. 

This exhibition if part of the Auckland Festival of Photography and runs from Wednesday 31st May through to Sunday 11th June.

Highwic is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10.30am to 4.30pm with last entry to the house at 3.45pm. 

On select days during the exhibition, Adrian will also be offering wet plate portrait sessions to those interested in experiencing this process. The sessions last 45 minutes and are limited to two people per plate. The plates will be posted out to clients once varnished and cured, a week or so after the session. For more information or to book a wet plate portait session visit https://events.humanitix.com/highwic