Unpublished Photos, History of Photography in Coaticook

The richness of Coaticook’s history and heritage is undeniable. One of the privileged witnesses of this history is photography, an art practiced in the region since the second half of the 19th century. The exhibition provides an overview of this history, from the main players to the techniques and the subjects covered.

Photography was first developed in 1839 by the Frenchman Louis Jacques Mandé Daguerre with his process known as the Daguerreotype, and also by the British photographer William Henry Fox Talbot, who invented a process called negative-positive on paper.

Like the general history of Coaticook, the history of photography in the town is undeniably marked by uniqueness and richness.

Marcellus Kilburn was the first professional photographer to practice his art in Coaticook, between 1865 and 1870. Since then, several other photographers have set up shop to practice their craft and satisfy their clients. The love for photography in the sector of Coaticook led to the creation of a club in 2015.

The exhibition focuses not only on the industry's key players, but also on the subjects covered, as well as the techniques and processes used for nearly two centuries. In addition to the photographs and artifacts on display, digital documents enhance the visitor’s experience.

The grand opening reception will take place on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at 2 p.m.