Factory photobooks: the self-representation of the factory in photographic publications 1890-1987

Abstract

"Massive factory halls, dirty overalls, spinning gears and smoking chimneys: Factory Photobooks is the definitive overview of an extraordinary photobook genre. Factory photobooks were commissioned by companies that wanted to use them to showcase their quality, innovativeness and progressiveness. The books went out into the world as promotional gifts for clients, investors, local public figures and employees. The ambition to portray the firm in a unique way often led to amazing experiments with book forms, photography and graphic design. Besides surprising gems, Factory Photobooks covers iconic photobooks such as Vuur aan zee about the Hoogovens in IJmuiden, with photography by Ed van der Elsken, Paul Huf, Ata Kandó and Cas Oorthuys. Acquaint yourself with a new international chapter in the history of the photobook through this selection of more than 175 publications, brought together by expert, photographer and collector Bart Sorgedrager. With contributions by: Gerry Badger, Flip Bool, Mattie Boom, Frits Gierstberg, Martin Parr, Hans Schoots, Bart Sorgedrager, Kim Timby, Thomas Wiegand. With photography by: Margaret Bourke-White, Piet Zwart, Bruno Munari, Alvin Langdon Coburn, Andr Kertsz, Albert Renger- Patzsch, Jacob Tuggener, Robert Doisneau, Paul Schuitema, Jurriaan Schrofer."-- Provided by publisher.

Contents

Preface / Martin Parr -- Introduction : factory photobooks : unbound curiosities / Bart Sorgedrager -- Willi Roerts and his 'industrial publishing company' / Thomas Wiegand -- From modest to majestic : a souvenir of my trip / Hans Schoots -- The GKf and the Dutch factory photobook, heyday, and history / Flip Bool -- Forgotten beauty and unexpected fame / Mattie Boom -- Draeger Frères : tradition and innovation in the printing of art and advertisement / Kim Timby -- Photographic promotional products / Frits Gierstberg -- Eisen und Stahl / Bart Sorgedrager -- In memoriam : the commemorative factory photobooks of Bart Sorgedrager / Gerry Badger -- Timeline.