Matthew Boulton Correspondence - Updated NNP Materials 0

[RWB]

A few weeks ago there was conversation regarding Matthew Boulton. I referred folks to the Entry 2 "Boulton Correspondence" digitized on NNP. In looking through the files I noticed that available images were difficult to read. I downloaded the image files and am making adjustments to provide images that are easier to read. The sample below shows the original image (left) and the cropped and enhanced image (right). The resolution is identical, so we're stuck with the fuzz and ambiguity. At present I've enhanced folders 1-4 and sent PDFs to NNP for their use. The last two folders should be finished Wednesday.

Edited February 8, 2021 by RWB

[RWB]

The original (at left) is a good example of what not to do when photographing documents. The photographer wasted fully 85% of available image resolution by placing the page across the image frame and then using only half of the frame width. The correct procedure is to rotate the original so it matches the camera frame orientation, then get close enough to fill the frame with the original. Depending on proportions of the original, that means extending the image almost to either the horizontal or vertical frame edge. (Note: Most cameras show only about 95% of the frame in the viewfinder. This allows for differences in eye orientation/viewing angle.)

[coinsandmedals]

Your edits certainty made things a bit easier to see. The original images were entirely too small to discern any useful details. Thank you for taking the time to edit the images. When do you think the updated files will be available at NNP? I want to download your enhanced files to replace the older version. 

[RWB]

Enhanced files for folders 1-4 are already on NNP. I hope to have the remaining 2 folders up on Wednesday.

[coinsandmedals]

Awesome, I’ll find my way to it tonight! 

[RWB]

2 hours ago, coinsandmedals said:

Awesome, I’ll find my way to it tonight! 

I completed the last two folders this evening. They should be posted Wednesday.

[coinsandmedals]

20 minutes ago, RWB said:

I completed the last two folders this evening. They should be posted Wednesday.

Thank you for the time and effort! I look forward to reading them. 

[RWB]

11 hours ago, coinsandmedals said:

Thank you for the time and effort! I look forward to reading them. 

Also check: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/562548

[coinsandmedals]

3 hours ago, RWB said:

Also check: https://nnp.wustl.edu/library/book/562548

Thank you for the heads up! I was able to download folders 1-6 and the Mitchell-Boulton correspondence with no issues.

 

[coinsandmedals]

While on the topic, Sue Tungate just published a new book on Matthew Boulton and the Soho Mint. This is no doubt a commercialized version of her dissertation work, but interesting nonetheless. 

 

[RWB]

Thanks for posting that!

[coinsandmedals]

You can also download her dissertation at the designated University of Birmingham webpage. 

[Conder101]

Thanks for that, didn't know about it.  I've downloaded the dissertation, and looking at purchasing a printed copy.

[RWB]

8 minutes ago, Robin22 said:

how interesting it is. I love history . I also love to write. 

Drop me a note if you are critical about grammar, editing, etc., and like numismatic history. Can always use another set of eyes on the next book.