The Gallery: A Time-capsule of Pictorial Photography

 Pictorialism is the name given to an international style and aesthetic movement that dominated photography during the later 19th and early 20th centuries. Pictorialism refers to a style in which the photographer has somehow manipulated what would otherwise be a straightforward photograph as a means of "creating" an image rather than simply recording it. Typically, a pictorial photograph appears to lack a sharp focus, is printed in one or more colors other than black-and-white (ranging from warm brown to deep blue) and may have visible brush strokes or other manipulation of the surface. For the pictorialist, a photograph, like a painting, drawing or engraving, was a way of projecting an emotional intent into the viewer's realm of imagination.

 Pictorialism as a movement thrived from about 1885 to 1915, although it was still being promoted by some as late as the 1940s. It began in response to claims that a photograph was nothing more than a simple record of reality, and transformed into an international movement to advance the status of all photography as a true art form.

 During the era of Pictorial Photography, various publications arose, dedicating their pages to emerging artists and photographers who celebrated this international movement. One such magazine was "The Gallery", which showcased pictorial photographs from all over the world and included informative articles on the newest photography equipment, techniques, and subjects.

 Membership for "The Gallery" was international and open to anyone with an interest in photography. The publication worked closely with the Royal Photographic Society, the world's oldest national photographic society. "The Gallery" showcased work by famous pictorial photographers, such as, Harold Cazneaux, Frank Hurley, Cecil Bostock, Henri Mallard, Alex Keighley, Alvin Langdon Coburn, and Rudolf Koppitz.

Though it's last publication was in the early 1940s coinciding with the decline of the pictorial movement, "The Gallery" is still a treasured piece of photography history and is sought after by many art historians, photo lovers, and treasure hunters alike.

 Displayed among our selection of vintage cameras, film and photography finds, we have a collection of "The Gallery" publications from the 1930s. In it's pages you will find beautiful imagery, deco ridden advertisements, and the unforgotten history of when photography first became known as an art form. If your heart holds a love for the photo world, stop by The Paris Market to see our selection of unique photography time capsules.