Request to view

This object can be requested via email from the Prints & Drawings Study Room

Vernacular photograph

Photograph
1900-1970 (photographed)

During the 20th century cameras became more affordable and easier to use, prompting a boom in amateur photography. In the 1990s, the American collector Peter Cohen began combing flea markets and auctions for snapshot photographs. Since then, he has assembled a substantial collection that he carefully organises into categories. The photographs displayed here are from the category ‘Shadows’.

Object details

Categories
Object type
TitleVernacular photograph (generic title)
Materials and techniques
Gelatin silver print
Brief description
Vernacular photograph, photographer unknown, 1900-70. Gelatin silver print, from the collection of Peter Cohen, given as part of a group of 50 photographs relating to the theme of 'shadows'.
Styles
Gallery label
Photography Centre 2018-20:

Various anonymous photographers
Vernacular photographs from the collection of
Peter Cohen
1900–70

During the 20th century cameras became more
affordable and easier to use, prompting a boom in
amateur photography. In the 1990s, the American
collector Peter Cohen began combing flea markets and
auctions for snapshot photographs. Since then, he has
assembled a substantial collection that he carefully
organises into categories. The photographs displayed
here are from the category ‘Shadows’.

Gelatin silver prints
Given to the American Friends of the V&A by Peter Cohen
Museum nos. LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.711:
4,5,6,9,11,12,13,15,16,23,24,29,32,33,35,36,37,39,40,42,46,48-2016
Credit line
Gift of the American Friends of the V&A
Object history
From the collection of Peter Cohen. Given as part of a group of 50 photographs relating to the theme of shadows.
Subject depicted
Summary
During the 20th century cameras became more affordable and easier to use, prompting a boom in amateur photography. In the 1990s, the American collector Peter Cohen began combing flea markets and auctions for snapshot photographs. Since then, he has assembled a substantial collection that he carefully organises into categories. The photographs displayed here are from the category ‘Shadows’.
Collection
Accession number
PH.97:5-2022

About this object record

Explore the Collections contains over a million catalogue records, and over half a million images. It is a working database that includes information compiled over the life of the museum. Some of our records may contain offensive and discriminatory language, or reflect outdated ideas, practice and analysis. We are committed to addressing these issues, and to review and update our records accordingly.

You can write to us to suggest improvements to the record.

Suggest feedback

Record createdMarch 29, 2016
Record URL
Download as: JSONIIIF Manifest