Early Ed: Ed van der Elsken, de pioniersjaren

Abstract

The 1956 publication of 'A Love Story in Saint Germain des Prés' marks Ed van der Elsken's international breakthrough. After his photos of the Parisian seamy left unfiltered around the world, his name as a street photographer is established. The publication 'Early Ed' highlights the period prior to his success (1944-1956). How Van der Elsken was received by Christian anarchist anti-militarists in Bergeijk during the last year of the war; how he became acquainted with photography in Wormerveer; how he immersed himself in high society circles in Paris. Documents from the archives of the Leiden University Library and the Nederlands Fotomuseum in Rotterdam show a searching Ed van der Elsken. Contact sheets reveal a photographic universe populated by models, stars, musicians, cats, dogs, partygoers, artists and top athletes. There is a perception that Ed was opposed to corporate reporting, but his pocket agenda is full of business initiatives for advertising campaigns. Examples are weaving mill De Ploeg and furniture brand Spectrum, UMS Pastoe and PTT Post en Telecom. Within this oeuvre he develops a remarkably personal style with an emphasis on interaction between the models. He likes to use acquaintances from his own circle for the necessary freedom of movement. A new love story unfolds against the background of the coldest winter month of the twentieth century.