Snapshot: Highlights of the Plowline Collection

Begun in 2010, Plowline: Images of Rural New York is an ongoing collecting initiative generously supported by the Gipson family. Its aim is to record the history of rural farm families and changes in agriculture over time through a photographic lens. It provides a glimpse into the daily lives of farmers, depicting farming practices and family life spanning the early 20^th—21^st centuries. Featuring highlight photos chosen due to their artistry from the collection of over 18,500 photographs, this exhibition is the first time Plowline has been displayed at Fenimore Art Museum.

Though many of the photographers’ names are no longer known, through their camera lens we get a look into the past and experience snapshots worthy of standing the test of time, be that a day on the farm or an intimate moment between a child and animal. Their photographs provide context for objects, spur memories, start conversations, and build community relationships both as individual images and as a cohesive collection.

Sponsored in part by Nellie and Robert Gipson.

Images:

John Deere Tractor Parade in Sprakers, New York, Unidentified Photographer, c. 1945, Photographic Print, 8 x 10 in., Museum Purchase. F0009.2015(01)

Looking Over the Fields, Unidentified Photographer, c. 1920, Photographic print, 14 x 17 in. Museum Purchase. F0001.2023(086)