Local photographer Jamie Ruddy has preserved several of Greater Sudbury's historical locations on film, and continues to take more photos.
His exhibit of Polaroid images depicting the Sudbury landscape is on the walls of the foyer of the Sudbury Theatre Centre, 170 Shaughnessy St., to Feb. 11.
The photos include images of the Flour Mill, the Pearl Street water tower, the Capitol Theatre, the Townehouse Tavern and Alexandria's Restaurant and Lounge, amongst others.
“All the images on display have been created with Polaroid films,” said Ruddy. The end product displayed takes on the look of paintings because Ruddy has used some special techniques.
“As the film is developing, one of two techniques is applied. The Polaroid Manipulation technique gives the image a painterly appearance. The Polaroid Emulsion Lift Technique gives the image a surreal appearance,” explained Ruddy.
Once he has applied the technique to the film, it is scanned, and then printed as a photographic inkjet print.
Some of his work was commissioned by various people, such as his photo of Alexandria's Restaurant. He has photographed other old buildings because of his interest in local history and architecture.
His photo of the Pearl Street water tower, Condensation, is topical today as there has been much discussion over what should be done with the structure.
“The Pearl Street water tower is a landmark along the the Sudbury skyline which at one time provided water for the residents of the city. It may also have served an unofficial purpose, that of a 'point of reference' for visitors to the city,” Ruddy said.
“The future of this historic water tower has become a topic of discussion recently, as the owner is contemplating demolition of the structure.”
There are signs of hope in his images, said Ruddy. Though he decries the vacating of the Capitol Theatre and its subsequent deterioration, he does acknowledge that the exterior of the building was given a face lift while the interior has been renovated.
He also noted that the Townehouse Tavern, which is reputed by its staff to be over 100 years old, is seeing better days lately.
“The Townehouse Tavern is a building in the downtown area of Sudbury with a unique architectural design. Efforts to preserve and renovate the exterior have been witnessed.”
That effort has helped the Elgin Street strip to thrive, said Ruddy.
“The Townehouse Tavern continues to be a hub of activity in an area of the city that has experienced rejuvenation to many of the neighbouring buildings.”Ruddy has taken an active part in the arts community. He is a board member of the Northern Artists Gallery and volunteers at the Artists on Elgin artists cooperative store on Elgin Street. He also helped to organize the annual Picture Our Lakes photography contest.
Ruddy's exhibit is open Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Sudbury Theatre Centre. Admission is free. Phone 674-8381, ext. 21 for further information or visit his website at www.jamieruddy.com.
