Then, Then, and Now

How do places change over 150 years?

Then, Then, and Now is a set of two- and three-image sequences of the American West. These photographs are jumping-off places for exploring space, time, and distance.

In the 1870s, a photographic survey of the American West was done. In 1978, these exact scenes were carefully rephotographed. The resulting collection was published in a book, and a number of print sets were made.

I recently became the owner of 35 of these sets — handed to me in an old Ilford paper box. That so much history could fit in a little cardboard box amazed me. Or that it could have so little information. The photographs are paired and noted in the assession numbers written in pencil on the back of each image - ending with an A for the original survey photos and B for the ones make in the late 70s.

What lies in the box is a complete mystery to me. The accompanying book is on its way to me but for now I am enjoying being in the state of not knowing.

Over the next year, I plan to explore these places in the American West through these photographs — and I hope you’ll explore them with me.