Exhibit Reception Speech

by
Robert D. Cavin, Film Quality Manager for Imation, Inc.
September 16, 1997

The Friends of the University of Minnesota Library welcome you to the Mertle Collection on the History of Photomechanics that contains a history of literature, business records, and artifacts relating to the science of imaging and photomechanics. The collection covers a period from the 1830's through the 1950's. Its contents are overwhelming and mind-numbing for the person that becomes trapped into its labyrinth of detail. The collection has a richness unparalleled in the field of graphic arts. To touch, feel and browse through the thought of those that delved into the realm of imagery will create sensations that will leave you drained at the end of a session. This is the character of the Mertle Collection.

Written words and illustrations record the events of mankind throughout the centuries. Without the ability to communicate to the masses economically, libraries would be severely limited in number and content.

The Mertle Collection has been able to capture the essence of the pioneers that pursued the science of imaging and perfection. Joseph Mertle was inquisitive. He was a photographer and engraver in the 1920's who collected and categorized the writings, material and artifacts that relate in most part to the imaging process.

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Copyright: © 1998 by the Regents of the University of Minnesota. All rights reserved.
URL: http://www.lib.umn.edu/special/rare/mertle/
Last updated: 02/13/98

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