Paula Chamlee told me to meet Edward Nowak. He’s the owner of Archetype Archetype Gallery located in a former Good Will Firehouse Building in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Old No. 3 to be exact! Paula told me Edward had a gallery and that he was a photographer, but wasn’t sure if the gallery was still open. Well, it turned out that it was … and it wasn’t but I’m jumping ahead. Soon enough I made contact with Edward and he invited me to come by for a visit. Even offered to treat me for lunch and that sealed the deal!
I drove through the pouring rain from Doylestown, about an hour’s drive away and finally pulled into the parking lot sitting next to Old No. 3. What a wonderful old building with the words Good Will over the doorway!! I got on my raincoat and called Edward to let him know I had arrived, and in a jiffy he came down to meet me. I knew things were going to be interesting when I noticed he wore a beret. I wear one too. But I wasn’t prepared for what greeted me when at the top of the stairs!
Adams, Weston(s), Cunningham, Avedon and more!!!! I just sort of stood there in awe. Good thing I didn’t fully lose control or I might have tipped back on rolled down to the front door. But there was more … a huge assortment of books and then Edward’s color photographs. Yes, that’s right … color … digital color. Edward is a marvelous color photographer. The gallery is pretty much closed to the public which has let Edward concentrate on his personal color work. Good for you, Edward!
I had a wonderful time enjoying all the tremendous images on the gallery walls, but most of the time was spent talking with Edward. I got a chance to learn about someone who had truly lived a photographic life. The galleries he owned, the students he taught, the famous photographers and notables in the photographic world he met. All the time working together with his wife and partner in a lifetime endeavor. I had fun, learned a lot and received sage advice. We agreed to stay in touch and I’m already looking forward to my next visit to see Edward and Old No. 3.
Every once in a while you get lucky and something unexpected and wonderful takes place. Something did for me last Wednesday.
Stay well,
Michael
You told me that some of the photos were available for purchase. You shouldn’t have made the mistake I did back in the day when I passed up purchasing great b&w photos by Michael McCartney. Go back and buy one. Be daring! Your darling wife, like mine, would understand.
Thanks Jeff. I agree wholeheartedly, but I’m not sure she would go for the price tag! She has given up on me with my stereo and record buying habit, but I think these would be a bridge too far. Thankfully I have all these images in some wonderful book … yah, I know … not the same.
Best,
Michael
I knew Joan and Edward Nowak in the 1970s . Some of the nicest people I ever met. I was just a stupid kid who loved photography but not really capable of producing it. And so-so on running a Multilith! Good to hear Edward is alive and in Allentown. Best, Maria (DeRosa) Rossi.
Maria,
Thanks for checking in!!! Ed is a truly a good guy with a wealth of knowledge, and a great photographer to boot. It was a great pleasure to meet him and I hope to stay in touch.
Best,
Michael