Reviews
". . . Whitman's book doubtlessly will make its way to libraries and coffee tables throughout the area, and in many other places where the architecture of old theaters is cherished.

Statistically, it has 144 pages, with 86 color photos, 58 black and white, including delightful photos of old popcorn boxes and close-ups of original and newly restored carvings, along with the more sweeping shots of the festive crowds thronging the reopened auditorium . . ."

Complete review (on this website) 		  Resurrection of the Colonial Theatre documented by Williamstown photographer.
by Richard Houdek
The Berkshire Eagle, August 4, 2008
www.berkshireeagle.com/ci_10066083
   
"What a great body of work! It is astonishing to see how steadily present Whitman was through all the phases of the project—as if he set up a camera on site, put it in time-lapse mode, and left it turned on for years, seeming to catch every moment of the building's recent history. I learned much from his essay about the photographic work, and appreciated the eloquence of the then-and-now shots, the backstage views, and the sense of decaying splendor. From start to finish, a marvelous, thoughtful and beautiful book."   Bruce Kennett, book designer and photographer
(winner of the American Library Association's 2006 Leab Award)
www.brucekennettstudio.com
   
"The work truly captures the rich history and beauty of the theatre"   Gov. Deval L. Patrick
   

"I love it . . . I am especially fond of the photos that were shot from the before and after locations."

"WOW! . . . What a superb restoration story." 		  Letters and emails from book buyers
   


Interviews

Local photographer offers book on Colonial project

By Bonnie Obremski, North Adams Transcript

WILLIAMSTOWN -- A Northwest Hill photographer is releasing his latest book after spending a decade revealing the most intimate parts of a Pittsfield landmark.

. . .

"In the case of a building about to undergo big changes, evidence can be lost," Whitman said last week. "So, there is an urgency to make the record. Part of what makes the photographs interesting is, when the building is restored, the 'before' pictures are a benchmark for how the building has been changed."

The restoration of decaying buildings has inspired Whitman before. He has documented the transformation of the former Sprague Electric mill complex that now houses Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art and the River Street rowhouse buildings that are now home to The Porches Inn in North Adams.

. . .

Complete interview (on this website) 		  North Adams Transcript, June 16, 2008