Franklin Galleries

‘Polk Place circa 1935′ by North Carolina artist William Waters IV is a brilliant rendition of TC Moore’s classic photograph of Polk Place taken on a cold, mid-thirties winter day. Moore was commissioned by the University to capture the quadrangle when it was perfectly empty. After hours of waiting in the bitter cold for the people to clear, Moore decided he could not wait anymore and snapped the photo which has since gained considerable recognition.

Waters rendition takes this photograph to a whole new level. His magnificent use of light and contrast create a remarkable composition that captivates the eye. Notice the symmetry of the spoked walkway and the majesty of the Carolina skyline featuring the Bell Tower’s legendary ascent over the dome of Wilson Library. A radiant mid-morning sun casts shadows off top-coat clad students, hurried to escape the frigid conditions. The silhouettes contrast against the illuminated campus creating the most striking component of the Vintage Collection®.

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‘Old Well circa 1892′ by William Waters turns back the clock over 100 years to Carolina’s yesteryear. His rendition of this classic Carolina photograph preserves Carolina’s proud past for generations to come. ‘Old Well’ offers a glimpse into the UNC of the nineteenth century.

This work preserves the dress of the students of the day. One student is proudly displaying the interlocking NC while a professor dons a suit, tie, and a derby. Central to the photo is a student drinking water from a bucket affixed to a pulley. This timeless work of art is a must and will make a proud addition to the homes and offices of UNC alumni.

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‘Beat Duke Parade’ is Franklin Galleries rendition of the classic 1949 photograph from the North Carolina Collection Photographic Archives. The photograph, taken on November 18, 1949 depicted the ceremonious parade on Franklin Street that preceded one of the greatest Duke-Carolina football games of all time (see history).

William Waters IV delivers a masterful rendition of the classic image most noted by his fervid attention to detail. His elegant composition draws your eyes to the canvas seeking to know more about the place, this scene, this day. Your eyes can’t help to follow the action down a 1940’s Franklin Street, absorbing every detail of the parade. It is not until every inch of canvas has been studied that you can pull away from this work – then you can’t help to look again.

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