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Peter van Hal

Black aluminum tintype 9 cm x 12 cm

 

“Mercedes engine of  Fokker D-VII”

Black aluminum tintype 9 cm x 12 cm

 

“1913 Buick”

Black aluminum tintype 9 cm x 12 cm

 

” Nord 1101 ‘Noralpha’s’ second smoking start in 40 years”

Black aluminum tintype 9 cm x 12 cm

 

Enjoying Nord 1101 ‘Noralpha’s’ beauty”

Black aluminum tintype 9 cm x 12 cm

 

Fokker D-VII

Black aluminum tintype 9 cm x 12 cm

 

 

Wet Plate & Airplanes: the Early Birds!

Who says man can’t fly because we weren’t born with wings?

Thanks tot Peter van Hal, we had the privilige to go to Lelystad where The Early Birds Foundation is situated.

“The Early Birds Foundation aims to preserve the heritage of these and other ‘early birds’ by carefully restoring and rebuilding aircraft and engines. The results of these activities can be seen during airshows and by visiting our working museum.“

All were having some difficulties with exposure (Dutch weather) Alex Timmermans made some nice plates as Peter and Arjen were struggling with some chemical problems. But hey, troubleshooting is half the work and increases your skills.
Also Ferry vd Vliet and Raewyn Dunn were there to enjoy the wet plate process and airplanes.

As Alex beautifully points out on his blog (go see!). It is all about the passion. For both wet plate and aircraft. Passion for pushing limits and crossing boundaries.

I wasn’t there, which I regret, but somehow this craftmanship, the skill and patience for restoring and the love for being up there surrounded with sky, reminded me of some Shakespeare poetry (totally out of context, but whatever):

My words fly up, my thoughts remain below:
Words without thoughts never to heaven go

(Hamlet)

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