Photography! A Special Collection from the University of Leiden

Leiden University’s photography collection represents the history, development and different forms of the medium. It includes examples of virtually all photographic techniques, rare objects and artistic high points: the early experiments of photographic pioneers like William Fox Talbot, for example, and the photomontages of Paul Citroen. Artistic ambition is illustrated by pieces from Piet Zwart and Paul Schuitema’s Dutch New Photography movement, and photographers like Emmy Andriesse and Cas Oorthuys represent the engagement of documentary photographers. The collection focuses on Dutch photography in an international context, and so includes work by great photographers like Julia Margaret Cameron, Edward Curtis and Richard Avedon. Contemporary photography will play a special role, including Hendrik Kerstens’ complete series of portraits of his daughter Paula – recently donated by the artist to the university’s collection – which have never been shown together before.

The diversity and richness of the University of Leiden’s photography collection, as showcased in the exhibition, will also be reflected in a lavishly illustrated catalogue, in English, with texts by Maartje van den Heuvel and Wim van Sinderen. The exhibition has been sponsored by Leiden City Council, Cultuurfonds Leiden, The Hague City Council and Cultuurfonds Bank Nederlandse Gemeenten.