Around 1900, Groningen was changing fast. Photographers recorded the city's rapid development on film; meanwhile, their own practice was transforming too. In the late 19th century, photographers usually made their own materials, which required considerable knowledge of chemistry. The field was a blend of art and science. After the turn of the century, though, inventions like the box camera and the roll of film began to make photography increasingly accessible. Some images in this exhibition are reproductions, either because the originals are too fragile or because we possess only the negatives.

All photographs on display are from the collection of the Groninger Archieven.
Exhibition and texts: Michael Hermse and Lieuwe Jongsma