VCU news

In his later years, Dr. Werner Lowenthal, a longtime professor in the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Pharmacy, launched himself into the world of photography with great gusto.

It turns out he had quite an eye for illustrating how the Earth is sculpted in particular ways.

“Werner was a man with an ingenious visual sense, and he engaged fully in a variety of subjects,” noted George D. Nan, professor emeritus and retired chairman, VCU Department of Photography. Lowenthal “was dedicated to finalizing his images in ways one cannot explain except by looking at the final resolution and accepting this as his artistic statement.”

After Lowenthal’s death in 1994 of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, his widow, Dr. Hilda Meth, painstakingly pored over his works — comprising 500,000 negatives and 35,000 prints — to compile an enthralling collection showcasing the best of his talent and passion.

Meth presents that collection in “Earth Sculptures,” a new coffee-table book published by Dementi Milestone Publishing. VCU is hosting Meth for book-signings, discussions and receptions this week at its Barnes and Noble bookstores. On Wednesday, Nov. 10, Meth will appear at the Barnes & Noble on the Monroe Park Campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. On Thursday, Nov. 12, Meth appears at the Barnes and Noble on the MCV Campus from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Her appearances will include a display of Dr. Lowenthal's original photographs.

All proceeds from sales of “Earth Sculptures” will go to the Werner Lowenthal Endowment Fund, benefiting School of Pharmacy students.