reuben r. sallows gallery

Located in the Goderich Public Library, part of which is the building originally built with funds supplied by Andrew Carnegie, itself worth a visit, this gallery is dedicated to the memory of Reuben Sallows, a local photographer active about a century ago, and frequently displays examples of his work. I've been there several times and have always found it rewarding.

I gave this attraction an average only because of its limited appeal for many people. If you are interested in the subject matter, then it is certainly above average. The Sallows Gallery contains a changing display, usually themed, of photographs by Reuben Sallows. Sallows was a Goderich photographer who specialized in capturing images of ordinary people doing ordinary things - playing, working, resting, etc. His photographs show life in Huron County over a span of about five decades from the 1880’s to the 1930’s. The images are striking in how they portray the reality of everyday life during this period. The gallery is located on a mezzanine in the Goderich Library and is reached by an elevator opposite the front desk. The gallery has no curator present but the displays are self-explanatory. According to the website, tours can be arranged. The strength of the gallery is its on-line presence – the collection can be searched to locate images which are displayed digitally along with an explanation. A visit to the gallery is worthwhile if you are interested in seeing some of the original works, if you are a historian looking at early life in Ontario or if you are photographer looking for excellent examples from the time Sallows worked. If you can’t get to the gallery itself, use it on-line. The gallery is nicely furnished, quiet, and has tables and chairs to sit at.