Jurgen Schadeberg

Jurgen Schadeberg Portrait 2008

Jurgen Schadeberg, sometimes known as “The Father of South African Photography”, is a principle figure in South African and World Photography. His major body of work, which spans 70 years and incorporates a collection of some 250,000 negatives, captures a wealth of timeless and iconic imagery.

His lens captured some of the most iconic images from a pivotal time in history – the Apartheid era in South Africa. Among these were photographs that froze in time key moments of South African history, including a poignant image of Nelson Mandela at Robben Island prison.

Schadeberg’s journey began in Berlin, but in 1950, he relocated to South Africa. Here, he joined Drum magazine as Chief Photographer, Picture Editor and Art Director.

It was during this time that Jurgen photographed pivotal moments in the lives of South Africans in the fifties. These photographs represent the life and struggle of South Africans during Apartheid and include important figures in South Africa’s history such as Nelson Mandela, Dr.Moroka, Walter Sisulu, Yusuf Dadoo, Bishop Huddleston, Archbishop Tutu and key events such as The Defiance Campaign of 1952, The Treason Trial of 1958, The Sophiatown Removals and the Sharpeville Funeral in1960.

His images also capture the jazz and literary world during the fifties Apartheid era such as the Sophiatown jazz scene with Dolly Rathebe, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela and Kippie Moeketsi. He didn’t just document the beginnings of the freedom movement, the effects of apartheid, and the vibrancy of township life, but also became a mentor to many budding South African photographers, with the likes of Ernest Cole, Bob Kosani, Peter Kamalu.

In 2014 Jurgen was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Centre of Photography in New York and he was also awarded a Doctorate, Doctor Honoris Causa, by Valencia University Politecnica for his Life’s work.

Together, with his producer wife Claudia, Jurgen established The Schadeberg Movie Company to produce a series of some 15 documentaries and dramas about South African social, cultural and political history, including “Voices from Robben Island 1994” with BBC’s Arena.

His vast collection of photography has found a place in the esteemed collections of the UK Arts Council, National Portrait Gallery, Tate, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. His contributions to the field of photography have been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Leica Hall of Fame award.

Even though Schadeberg is no longer with us, his timeless images continue to resonate and inspire, serving as a window into a significant era of history. His legacy lives on, touching the hearts and minds of those who encounter his work.

It is with great pride that we have been now entrusted to collaborate and curate Jurgen’s work alongside his widow Claudia Schadeberg here in South Africa and will continue to bring news and current updates to his continuing journey across the globe.

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