Wolmersdorf 1935 - 1938

This is a photographic print, made at an unknown date by an anonymous maker. The emulsion of silver halide crystals on the paper's surface creates the monochromatic tones, fixed through chemical processes to preserve the captured images. Photography, like other forms of mechanical reproduction, carries with it a distinct social context. Here, a series of images show scenes from the village of Wolmersdorf, with a focus on communal activities. The images seem to depict daily life, perhaps in a school environment, including dormitories, exterior shots of the buildings, and children engaged in musical activities. The content and composition suggest a careful staging and documentation of the village’s social fabric. Consider the labour involved, from operating the camera, developing the film, and printing each image to its final presentation within an album. The value lies in the way these images capture and commemorate shared experiences, underscoring the importance of photography not just as art, but as an accessible form of social memory.