Second Wave Industrialization

For the Paris Exhibition, and as individual gifts for prominent persons, we have to take new photographs in May, when everything is turning green and the wind is calm. I do think that in general, smaller photographs are completely sufficient; in addition to them, however, I would also like to have one or, better yet, two large-format views of façades and lively activity on [factory] squares, yards, and railways. I would suggest that they be taken on Sundays, because the workdays involve too much smoke, steam, and restlessness, and besides, the loss would be too substantial. Whether 500 or 1,000 men will be necessary is something I am leaving up to you. It would be disadvantageous if too much steam obscured the surroundings, but it would be very pretty if a smaller amount of steam were to escape from as many places as possible. The locomotives and trains are also very impressive, as are the large dollies for castings.

If Mr. Diechmann considers this matter with v. Werden in good time and prepares everything, this may turn out to be a very effective picture. Due to the size of the area, however, one will probably have to take it from at least two or, perhaps better yet, four perspectives, namely from the two water towers, the big chimney, and from the highest elevation above the large mechanical workshop. These pictures will have to make do for several years, and if they turn out as well as I imagine, the photographing plus payment for the extra people may amount to a couple of thousand Thalers. Provided enough space is available around it, our exhibit [in Paris] must be decorated with framed versions of these pictures (without glass).