I am almost certain that Grandpa was born with a camera around his neck. And then enjoyed a lifetime pursuing photography, capturing what he loved – the natural world, his family, construction projects – always and only through a Leica lens. Beauty, elegance, class right there.
He leaves an archive of tens of thousands of slides, prints from the 1930′s onwards, Leica cameras and a family of photographers that he inspired. I loved the magic of the darkroom that he introduced us to as kids, the slide shows, the time together sharing photographs and his encouragement as my passion for photography re-ignited (even when it was Polaroids which in the eyes of a Leica master don’t even take proper photographs ha!).
Most of all I loved seeing the world through his eyes and his Leica lens – he always saw the majesty, the wonder, freedom and beauty of this place.
Mountains
Grandpa (right), with his climbing friend Rudolph (left), Rotenboden
Matterhorn
Arolla
Mt Blanc de Chellion 1948
Mt Blanc
Matterhorn Summit No.7 1947
Africa
Grandpa in Jinja with the car he drove home across the Sahara
Wagenia Fishing
African Girls
African Man
Elgon
Pygmies Village
Tangier
Fez
Morocco
All images by JAD.
Wow, that is so inspiring, what amazing photographs. Your Grandpa was very handsome too x
he had quite an eye and an adventurous spirit
Love seeing these Kat, they are such beautiful images, I cannot believe that they were captured so many years ago!
Very beautiful pictures Kat, I can feel the touch of your Grandpa’s spirit; clear, simple, uncompromising.
These are amazing photos. Your grandpa was an accomplished and talented man. I love the Mt. Blanc photo with the figures so tiny in the snow!
Thank you. He was. I love that photograph too. I have an original print of it that he made in his darkroom in the 40s on my wall. Treasure it.
A lovely personal and photographic tribute Katherine. Thank you for sharing. Love, Margaret x
Thank you Margaret. I’ve just today been through Gpa’s Africa and Sahara journey documents – wonderful treasure. Going to collate into a book with Gma. Then we have to retrace his steps and do the journey ;)
Sounds like a great idea; a very worthwhile and loving project.