Renowned photographer Jack Rowell is set to release his extensive new photo book, a 121-page collection showcasing his favorite images from a 55-year career. Titled 'Jack Rowell Photographs,' the coffee table-style book offers a unique historical perspective on Vermont culture through his lens. Its official release date is November 22.
Key Takeaways
- Photographer Jack Rowell compiles 55 years of work into a 121-page book.
- The book, titled 'Jack Rowell Photographs,' launches on November 22.
- It features a wide range of subjects, including Fred Tuttle and Vermont landscapes.
- Local publisher Korongo Books handled the production, emphasizing community ties.
- A launch event will take place at the White River Craft Center in Randolph.
A Legacy in Images
Rowell describes the book as his legacy, a project that allowed him to archive decades of his work. He believes it will resonate with many people. The compilation process took him three years, involving thousands of archived negatives and digital files.
Sara Tucker, owner of Korongo Books, a local publishing company, is publishing Rowell's work. Tucker, who attended high school with Rowell, views his photography as crucial for preserving Vermont's cultural heritage. She calls him a "cultural documentarian," a title Rowell uses with a touch of humor, but one that accurately reflects his profound impact.
Book Details
- Page Count: 121 pages
- Release Date: November 22
- Publisher: Korongo Books
- Pre-order Price: $85 until year-end
Tucker emphasizes the importance of individual perspectives in documenting history. She states that Rowell's half-century as a documentary photographer provides an essential part of the shared story and heritage of the region. This book captures and preserves that narrative.
Iconic Shots and Rediscoveries
Among the many images, one particularly striking photograph, "Man on the Midway" (1973), serves as the cover for the new book. Rowell captured this image at the Tunbridge Fair. It shows a man with an intense gaze, a cigarette in his mouth, and a cap pulled low. The lines on his face tell a story of hard work and life in Vermont.
"It gave me an opportunity to archive what I’ve done for the past 55 years, which I never would’ve done. It’s my legacy, and I hope people like it."
— Jack Rowell
The journey of "Man on the Midway" to the book's cover was not straightforward. The original negative suffered damage, with significant gouges that rendered parts of the emulsion missing. Rowell explains that without modern tools like Photoshop, the image would have been lost. He points out a small white area on the photo, a remnant of how film used to stick out of cassettes and get exposed. He stresses that the eyes are always the key to a powerful image.
Documenting Fred Tuttle
Rowell's work in the 1990s included a significant focus on Fred Tuttle, the real-life Tunbridge farmer. Rowell became an associate producer for John O'Brien's 1996 film, "Man With a Plan," which chronicled Tuttle's fictional run for U.S. Congress. Tuttle features prominently in Rowell's book.
One notable image shows Fred Tuttle in front of the U.S. Capitol building. This photograph later became a movie poster for "Man With a Plan." Rowell recalls the challenges of lighting during the shoot, shifting from sunny to overcast conditions. He also remembers that parts of the Capitol dome were under scaffolding shortly after his photo shoot.
Fred Tuttle's Political Journey
After the film's release, Fred Tuttle made a real run for U.S. Congress. Jack Rowell continued to photograph him during this period, including for People Magazine. Tuttle eventually endorsed incumbent Patrick Leahy and did not win the election.
Evolution of a Photographer
Rowell's personal journey has also influenced his photographic style. He grew up in Groton and moved to Randolph for high school. He later gave up drinking and smoking, habits that had been part of his earlier life. This shift coincided with a more focused approach to his photography.
In the latter part of his career, Rowell transitioned more into studio photography. Many of the images in the second half of his book were taken in his small studio in Randolph or other nearby studios. He maintains a lighthearted view on his favorite subjects, often joking about photographing "big fish and good looking women."
Timeline of Images
- Earliest Photo: 1973 ("Man on the Midway")
- Latest Photo: May 2025 (Mary Frances Leahy playing fiddle)
The book spans an impressive timeline, with photos ranging from 1973 to 2025. One of his earliest images, taken in Braintree when he was 18, shows two laughing men on the back of a garbage truck. The most recent photo captures 19-year-old Mary Frances Leahy, daughter of musician Natalie MacMaster, playing the fiddle at Chandler Music Hall. Rowell has also photographed MacMaster multiple times, and she appears in the book.
Community and Craft
Keeping the book's production local was a priority for both Rowell and Tucker. They found a printer in Lewiston, Maine. This commitment reflects Rowell's deep connection to his community and his artistic mission.
"His instinct is to tell the world about what he finds valuable, and to me, that’s a very generous act, and he does a beautiful job."
— Sara Tucker
Tucker describes Rowell as an incredibly generous person and photographer. She explains that his art serves the community by highlighting individuals who excel or possess intriguing qualities. He uses his photography to share what he values with the world, a truly generous act.
The White River Craft Center in Randolph will host the official launch party for "Jack Rowell Photographs" on November 22, from 2–5 p.m. Preordered copies will be available for pickup and signing by Rowell at the event. The book is available for pre-order at $85 until the end of the year.