Leporelloalbum met opnames van Scheveningen c. 1890 - 1910

This 'Souvenir' booklet, of which the creator is unknown, holds within it a series of images of Scheveningen, bound together accordion-style. The cover is striking: a bold red cloth, with the word 'Souvenir' emblazoned in gold lettering. The materiality of this object speaks volumes. The use of photography itself was still relatively novel, offering a new means of capturing and consuming images. The red cloth hints at a mass produced material, while the gold lettering adds a touch of luxury. The combination suggests an object intended for a burgeoning tourist market, eager to take home a piece of their experience. Consider the labor involved in its production: the photographers, the printers, the binders, all contributing to this small token of memory. It is through these processes of making, and the social context in which they occur, that we can begin to understand the full meaning of this modest, yet evocative artwork.