Found at Auction: The Unseen Photographs of a Legend that Never Was

[LSyd]

http://www.messynessychic.com/2013/0...hat-never-was/

Picture this: quite possibly the most important street photographer of the 20th century was a 1950s children’s nanny who kept herself to herself and never showed a single one of her photographs to anyone. Decades later in 2007, a Chicago real estate agent and historical hobbyist, John Maloof purchased a box of never-seen, never-developed film negatives of an unknown ‘amateur’ photographer for $380 at his local auction house.

source
photo by Vivien Maier


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[deja vu]

Very interesting story.

[diskojoe]

I wonder why she never showed the photos to anyone? She was such a great photographer. Its not easy to get quality like this from a rollie. Most photographers even back then had to touch up their work some what.

[Tony]

Great photos. It's nice to see someone actually know how to properly use a Rolleiflex and see some authentic vintage photos. Unlike all this annoying Hipsters and their stupid Instagram shit these days.

[photoLith]

Holy shit this ladies photos are awesome.

[Illithid Dude]

Oh wow these are amazing. Imagine what artists are or were out in the world that never got discovered...

[Xander202]

As soon as I saw this thread title I knew it would be about Vivian Maier!

I actually volunteered at what I believe was the first public exhibition of her work, which took place in London (as part of the London Street Photography Festival). I actually helped set up and hang the photographs as well as invigiliating the opening. Her work is really fantastic, captures an era incredibly, a masterclass of street photography. I have a soft spot for her, and I met and chatted to the guy (John Maloof) who found her work. It really is an interesting story, and a shame she never knew how respected she would eventually become.