“Snowflake” Bentley: The British Invasion
Seems that a lot of the stories about our beloved Mr. Bentley are coming out of the UK this past year and in the new year as well. A newly accessible collection of Bentley images and not one, but two tribute songs to Snowflake Bentley have been brought to our attention.
First up,
The London Natural History Museum has recently digitized and made available an album of 19th Century Bentley images which were purchased by the trustees of the museum in 1899. They are a series of 21 sets of microphotographs of snow crystals taken during the winters of 1885-1899.
Wilson Bentley developed a deep scientific obsession with snow. Photograph: David Levene/The Guardian
Library special collection manager, Andrea Hart noted upon viewing the collection. “When you look a bit closer and see these natural formations, you can understand why his obsession was formed. They are so incredibly beautiful”
The 355 images can be viewed on the Museum’s website available here: https://nhm.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/delivery/44NHM_INST:44NHM_V1/9915394302081
You can view Hannah Devlin’s article in the Guardian here: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2023/jan/04/snowflake-bentleys-19th-century-images-of-snow-crystals-put-online
“They are so incredibly beautiful”
Now A Little Music
Earlier last year, singer songwriter Steven Gorst sent along his song “Snowflake Bentley in Celebration” to our Bentley website. A former headteacher in the UK, Mr. Gorst has long been an admirer of Snowflake Bentley and taught many students about Bentley’s passion and work. Mr. Gorst has now written a song in honor of the Snowflake Man and has entered it into a 50+ Songwriter's contest
You can view and listen to his song on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wRHqRysjTc
Also from the UK, songwriter Marc Shearer sent along his tribute to Mr. Bentley. He commented as followed:
“I have written a song inspired by the magical images of Wilson Bentley. His work is obviously known worldwide but I don’t think he is as known here in the UK as he is in the US. His images still inspire, and it seems that a flake or two brought this song with them”.
You can view and listen to his song on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/MCzjOJAqEB0
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New CNN Article
Story by Kyle Almond, CNN
Published December 23, 2022
A newly released article by CNN.com Interactive tells the story of Wilson Bentley. With comments by Bentley’s great-grandniece, Sue Richardson and images from the Smithsonian Institute Archives we get the latest take on the life of the Snowflake Man.
Image courtesy of the Smithsonian Institute Archives
The article can be viewed here: https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2022/12/weather/wilson-snowflake-bentley-cnnphotos/
New at the Snowflake Bentley Exhibit
Newly exhibited at the Snowflake Bentley Exhibit at the Old Red Mill in Jericho is Snowflake Bentley’s second camera, which was gifted to the Jericho Historical Society by Sue (Mayers) Richardson, great-grand- niece of Bentley and Vice President of the Jericho Historical Society. Using this camera, Bentley created a number of beautiful montages by printing photos of his snowflakes (snow crystals) in various sizes, then arranging them on a black painted board into unique designs. It took a great deal of patience and a very steady hand. Once he had the design as he wanted, the photos were glued in place so that the board could be placed vertically in order to photograph it utilizing this camera. He also used it to take many photographs of clouds, snow rollers, family members, and day-to-day activities on the farm.
Sue Richardson and Uncle Willie take a selfie. Inset: New camera display
Also new to the Snowflake Bentley Exhibit is a standee replica of Bentley with his enigmatic smile. Visitors to the exhibit can take a selfie with Bentley and post it on social media or send it to the Bentley website bulletin board at: info@snowflakebentley.com
Gift Shop
There are many great gifts for people of all ages available at the Old Mill Craft Shop (Hours) in Jericho and online at Vermont Snowflakes, the official makers of Snowflake Bentley prints and collectables.
Snowflake Bentley Heart Montage
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