One tiny victory
In 1999, I took part in helping to save San Francisco’s Giant Camera from demolition, when the Cliff House (located behind the Camera) was going to be renovated.
We took it to City Hall, we took it to the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, we took to the streets until we had victory: The Camera was designated as a protected historic site in 2001. It is a delight to see it there.
Inside the Giant Camera is a camera obscura, a rare device based on a 15th century design by Leonardo da Vinci. It produces 360 degrees of spectacular live images of the Seal Rock Area. That’s what so great.. this supposed kitschy eyesore houses a really, really magical piece of art. Please, go there next time you’re in the Bay Area!
- More about the Giant Camera
- What is a Camera Obscura?
- San Francisco Chronicle articles about the fight to save the Giant Camera
- I’m quoted in this article