The Key West Art & Historical Society will open âUnder Construction | Glass Plate Negatives of A.V. Rabenau,â an exhibition showcasing turn-of-the-century photographs, at 5 p.m. Friday, April 30, in the Custom House Museum, 281 Front St.
One of the newest and most valuable collections belonging to KWAHS is a series of more than 50 early 20th-century glass plate negatives taken by photographer A.V. Rabenau. Little is known of Rabenau, but his striking work suggests he was an experienced professional. He visited the Florida Keys during a pivotal time in its history â the construction of the Overseas Railway. The âdry plateâ negatives are not dated, but it is probable that he visited the island chain sometime between 1908 and 1910.