Powder Yard and Mill Race. Hagley Museum. Canvas Print

In 1802 a young French immigrant, E.I. du Pont, chose
a forested site on the Brandywine River near Wilmington, Delaware,
as the ideal location on which to build a high-technology manufactory
to produce explosive black powder. The power to drive these operations came from the waters of the Brandywine. Along the length of its riverside property, DuPont constructed four dams across the stream. All were originally constructed
of timber and stone, but one was rebuilt using granite and concrete.
Stone-lined raceways directed water to drive machinery in a group of
mill buildings, from which the water returned to the river. Sluice gates
in the raceways controlled the flow to each mill. Originally wooden water wheels powered the mills. By the 184Os, more efficient iron water
turbines began replacing the wooden wheels. Examples of both
technologies are visible at the site today, including a reconstructed 16-
foot breast wheel at the Birkenhead Mills...

Chris was born in southern Delaware in 1960. As a teenager he began studying maps of Florida and dreamed of exploring the state and it’s natural treasures. In the early 1980’s he moved to Central Florida. During his travels throughout the state he discovered the beauty of it’s swamps, prairies, springs, rivers and lakes. This led to an interest in photography and it’s ability to document his adventures. He also developed an interest in astronomy. He studied the work of Ansel Adams and his “zone” system as well as the works of the his colleges in the “f 64 club” of art photographers. It became apparent that researching the accomplishments of painters would also be beneficial. Chris began to establish his own style, a fusion of art and...