Steam and Steel
The Photographs of O. Winston Link

October 11, 2008 - January 25, 2009

Ogle Winston Link, known commonly as O. Winston Link, has been revered by many as the most important railroad photographer of all time. He is best known for his black-and-white photography and sound recordings of the last days of steam locomotive railroading in the United States in the late 1950s. A true American master, Link produced night-time photographs of the railroad over a five-year period that ended when the last steam locomotive of the Norfolk & Western Railway was taken out of service in May 1960.

This exhibition features more than 100 framed photographs as well as Link's actual photographic and lighting equipment, plus his personal notebooks detailing set-ups, formulas, and exposure details.

Steam and Steel also will be enhanced with railroad equipment from the era and Link's own recordings of railroad sounds. In addition, the RIT Model Railroad Club will display a model-train diorama, a recreation of a Link photograph that will lend insight into his workings. The image chosen for recreation is arguably Links' most famous — "Hot Shot Eastbound at the Iaeger Drive In, Iaeger, West Virginia, 1956," which features a train buzzing by a drive-in theater filled with shiny cars of the era and a cozy couple in a convertible.

This exhibition was organized in cooperation with the O. W. Link Museum, Roanoke Virginia and their Director Kimberly Parker. We also wish to thank Thomas H. Garver, Organizing Curator for use of his exhibition text which so interprets Links works for the O. Winston Link Museum and this exhibition.

Link of interest:
O. Winston Link Museum
O. Winston Link Biography
Related exhibitions

Opening Party
Friday, October 10, 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Be the first to view our three fall exhibitions highlighting all eras of the railroad. Enjoy a dessert reception and acoustic guitar by Dual Audio in the Potter Peristyle. Free to members based on membership level. Non-members may attend for $15. Don't miss out! Make your reservations early at (585) 271-3361 ext. 434. Reservations are required by Wednesday, October 8. Made possible by RBC Wealth Management.

"TRAINS!" DAY
Sunday, Oct. 19, 1 to 5 p.m.
All aboard for family fun, as the Eastman House presents a day of fun in conjunction with its three "TRAINS!" exhibitions. Activities include train music by Dual Audio, crafts, coloring books, train safety tips, model trains, plus apples and cider from Whittier Fruit Farm. Included with museum admission.