The art of photography | Polish photochemical industry after 1945

Private photochemical plants and factories that were thriving in the 1930s (such as Alfa in Bydgoszcz) were almost completely destroyed during the war. Their reconstruction began in 1945, but in accordance with the principles applicable in the socialist economy, they were merged into the FOTON concern and this name quickly became one of the most recognizable brands in the Polish People’s Republic.
At the same time, new factories producing negative and positive materials as well as photographic equipment were built from scratch. They were staffed by highly educated chemists, constructors and mechanics. In 1951, the Start camera was put into production. It was developed by Polish inventors, who were inspired by various Western designs. From that moment on, the photochemical industry began to develop rapidly, becoming a significant branch of the Polish People’s Republic industry.

The lecture from the series “The Art of Photography” will be led by Stanisław Jasiński – photographer and photography instructor, member of the Association of Polish Art Photographers. An expert in the history of photography and a collector of antique cameras and other artifacts related to this field of art.

Free entrance!

More information:
weronika.droszcz@woak.pl
tel. 695 385 110