The Linked Ring

The Linked Ring (also known as "The Brotherhood of the Linked Ring") was an association of late 19th and early 20th century British photographers who pledged to promote pictorialism in partcular and photography as a fine art in general.

Founded May, 1892, by Henry Peach Robinson the Brotherhood was "a means of bringing together those who are interested in the development of the highest form of Art of which Photography is capable." [ [http://rleggat.com/photohistory/history/linked_r.htm Robert Leggat: The Linked Ring] ] Famous members of the Brotherhood, which was by invitation only, included Frank Sutcliffe, Frederick H. Evans, Paul Martin, Alvin Langdon Coburn, Frederick Hollyer, and, later, Americans Alfred Stieglitz and Clarence H. White.

In 1896 they began publishing "The Linked Ring Papers", which were circulated annually to members until 1909 to promote and discuss the aesthetics and practice of pictorialism. A Photographic Salon was held annually in which members' work was exhibited. By 1910 photography was generally accepted as a fine art, and the Brotherhood disbanded with little fanfare.

The Brotherhood used as it logo three interlinked rings, which were meant in part to represent the Masonic beliefs of Good, True and Beautiful. [cite book|author=Mike Weaver|title=Alvin Langdon Coburn, Symbolist Photographer|publisher=NY: Aperture|date=1986|page=6]

References

Additional information

Margaret F. Harker, "The Linked Ring: The Secession in Photography in Britain 1892-1910." London: Heinemann, 1979