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Operators of a Type Composing Machine
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Operators of a Type Composing Machine
Two men operate a type composing machine. The machines collect and arrange the metal types used in early film photographic printing processes, a job previously done by human hand, and was highly complex for the time. This particular machine was invented by the Swede Alexander Lagerman, and was used in Dowgate Hill, London. Date: 1885
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Media ID 32250542
© Illustrated London News Ltd/Mary Evans
1885 Alexander Compose Composing Composite Compositor Machinery Nineteeth Operate Operator Operators Photographic Press Printing
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This photograph, taken in 1885, showcases two dedicated operators skillfully working with a groundbreaking Type Composing Machine at Dowgate Hill, London. The machine, an invention of the Swedish innovator Alexander Lagerman, revolutionized the early film photographic printing process by automating the laborious task of collecting and arranging metal types. Previously, this intricate process had been carried out meticulously by hand. The Type Composing Machine, a marvel of 19th-century machinery, was a significant advancement in the realm of photography. It played a crucial role in the composite or compositor stage of the photographic process, where individual letters or characters were arranged to form words and sentences on a printing plate. This was an essential step in creating the final photographic image. The complexity of the machine is evident in the operators' focused expressions and the myriad of levers, gears, and metal types surrounding them. The machine's ability to automate this laborious process not only increased efficiency but also reduced the potential for human error. This technological advancement was a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the late 19th century, paving the way for further advancements in photographic technology and mass production. This photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, providing a window into the intricacies of early photographic processes and the dedicated individuals who brought them to life. The operators' unwavering concentration and the intricate machinery they work with serve as a reminder of the rich history of photography and the continuous evolution of technology in the field.
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