July 4- September 21, 2003
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Charles T. Daniels FIRST FLIGHT, DECEMBER 17, 1903 Vintage gelatin silver print Collection of Dr. Randie Egbert |
The Dayton Art Institute celebrates the 100th anniversary of powered flight
with a special exhibition honoring Orville and Wilbur Wright and their
first flight. ORVILLE & WILBUR: The Wright Brothers’ Legacy
showcases rare photographs of the Wright Brothers, their first flight,
and other significant aviation milestones. Nearly two dozen original lithographs
depict air shows and advertisements from the early days of aviation.
The exhibition portrays the beginning of powered
flight with photographs and original lithographs from the first two decades
of powered flight. The images are assembled from three private collections
in Cincinnati, the Wright State University special archives, and the private
collection of Jacques Perier in Paris. This is the first time images from
Mr. Perier’s collection have been on public display in the United
States.
ORVILLE & WILBUR showcases many unique images, including two versions
of the original photograph of the Wright Brothers’ historic first
flight. Rare photographs of the Wright Brothers’ factory in Dayton
are on display, along with photographs of their visit to France and their
public homecoming celebrations in Dayton in 1909. Visitors will also see
images of the Wright Brothers selling their airplane to the U.S. military.
One of the Wright Brothers’ aviation trophies is among the other
artifacts included in the exhibition. Visitors will also see photographs
of the first hydroplane as well as the first woman aviator, Ruth Law,
and other notable faces.
ORVILLE & WILBUR offers visitors a glimpse into the visual side of
aviation history while showcasing the beauty of photography. We have chosen
the photographs not just for their connection to the Wright Brothers and
for their historic significance but for their aesthetics as well. The
lithographs in the exhibition are visually stunning, but they also show
the influence of the Wright Brothers on people’s imaginations.