Historical society showcasing early California photographer at special event
Image of an Arnold photographic plate, courtesy of the Paso Robles Historical Society.
Arnold made significant contributions to early California photography
-The Paso Robles Historical Society invites the public to attend An Evening of History & Wine and learn more about the photography of Richard J. Arnold. Arnold’s most significant contribution to early California photography was the wide diversity of his subjects. Unlike most commercial photographers of the time who photographed the wealthy and elite on commission, he was drawn to all types of people and his body of work presents a prescient vision of California’s cultural diversity.
Arnold’s work with glass-plate photography, invented in 1851, utilized an advance in technology at the time. In the studio, Arnold’s subjects were often posed with elaborate backdrops and period clothing. Mr. Arnold also took photographs out in the county’s landscape which makes his photographs unique for the times. The plates have been printed for the exhibition at the Paso Robles History Museum, revealing the surprises and details of Arnold’s photographic process.
Arnold was born in 1856 in England and died in Monterey, CA in May 1929. In addition to San Luis Obispo, he had photographic studios in several areas of central California, including Monterey, Santa Barbara and Alameda.
The event is held at the Paso Robles History Museum on Friday, August 16 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. The evening includes a social and wine tasting featuring Vinyl Vineyards and charcuterie by Jen Fox at 5:30 p.m. and the program starts at 6 p.m. followed by a presentation from winemaker Jeffrey Hevert, Vinyl Vineyards at 6:30 p.m., a Q&A session, and more socializing and wine tasting at 7:00 p.m.
Space is limited. RSVP at pasohistory1@gmail.com or call Grace Pucci at (805) 712-6361.
The Paso Robles History Museum at the Carnegie Library is located at 800 12th Street, Paso Robles and is open Thursday-Monday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Private tours of the museum and extensive collections are also available by appointment.
