Anniston, AL – The Anniston Public Library invites the community to join an enlightening journey through time on Saturday, September 24th, at 2 PM with the program “A World Before Cameras.” This captivating event will explore the era when illustrations served as the primary means of discovering and documenting the world.
Attendees will delve into the fascinating history of illustration, from the enchanting drawings in Frank L. Baum’s Ozseries to the intricate engravings found in family Bibles. These artistic creations sparked imaginations and brought stories to life, shaping the way people understood the world before photography existed.
The program will travel back to the great era of exploration, where prints and engravings uncovered the wonders of nature, geography, and exotic cultures. Through detailed illustrations, individuals gained a glimpse of distant lands, unfamiliar animals, and groundbreaking discoveries. The session will also cover the evolution of illustration techniques, tracing their development from the 15th-century woodcuts to the 20th-century lithography that revolutionized printmaking.
Local expert Tim Kendrick will lead this presentation, offering attendees a rare opportunity to experience the world as our ancestors did—through the intricate and beautiful art of illustration. Kendrick’s insights will guide participants through centuries of artistic evolution, showcasing how illustrations once played a pivotal role in education, exploration, and storytelling.
This event promises to be a visual feast, celebrating the rich history of images that shaped human understanding long before the invention of the camera. Don’t miss the chance to see the world through the eyes of early explorers, artists, and illustrators.
