Candela Books + Gallery has the honor of working with Nell Draper-Winston, Louis’s younger sister, and her associate Cheryl Pelt, along with other Richmond, Virginia arts entities, to recover the work and life story of the late Louis Draper. Draper was a 20th century photographer, educator, and cultural groundbreaker, who lived a life devoted to the art of photography and to the tenets of Civil Rights.
The Draper archive, carefully advocated for by Ms. Draper-Winston, will be studied, researched and organized. There are many exciting possibilities with such an impressive collection of work. But first we begin at the beginning: by slowly discovering the rich legacy of a photographer whose life’s work has yet to been seen by so many, mainly due to the disparate cultural climate of 20th century United States. This blog intends to document that path of discovery and serve as fertile ground for the inclusion of Draper in the larger scope of American art and cultural history.
Contact us: thelouisdraperproject[at]gmail.com
All rights are reserved. The images and text on this blog belong to the Louis Draper Archive under the auspices of Nell Draper-Winston.
The Louis Draper Project 
I had the honor of working closely with Lou as an assistant to Anthony Barboza. Lou taught me to print, about lighting, studio management and living a dignified life as an artist. We were the co-owners of North Light studio on 38th Street and 6th ave. Lou along with Ray Francis, Danny Dawson, Herman Howard, and Herb Randall were my other partners in the business. I was a young photographer from Detroit trying to find my way in the New York photo scene in the 70’s. Thank God for those men who took me under there wing and helped make me the artist and the man I am today. Thank God for my man, Lou Draper. He was the walking definition of a true gentleman.
Darryl Sivad
Darryl, Thanks so much for this insight into Draper. Stay in touch! It would be great to have a conversation at length someday. Very best, Amy (Candela Books + Gallery, Richmond, VA)