The Werner Bischof Estate is presenting the groundbreaking exhibition "Unseen Colour" at the Fox Talbot Museum of the National Trust in Lacock, United Kingdom. This remarkable showcase reveals the lesser-known color work of Swiss photographer Werner Bischof (1916-1954), one of the most celebrated names of the 20th century and a renowned member of the prestigious Magnum Photos cooperative.
While Bischof is best known for his iconic black and white photographs, the exhibition illuminates his pioneering work in color photography that began as early as 1939. He utilized the innovative "one-shot" DEVIN Tricolor camera for his studio experiments, advertising photography, and fashion work. Later, he employed this cutting-edge technology during his extensive reportage assignments across Europe from 1945 to 1949.
Despite his initial aspiration to become a painter, Bischof chose to pursue photography training at the School of Applied Arts in Zurich. His artistic background profoundly influenced his photographic approach – during his travels, he would often sketch scenes before capturing them with his camera, bringing a uniquely artistic perspective to his work. His use of color, long overshadowed by his celebrated black and white legacy, had always been quietly present in his body of work, waiting to be revealed to the world.
Andy Cochrane, curator of the Fox Talbot Museum, emphasized the significance of hosting this exhibition at their venue. "It's wonderful that the UK premiere of Werner Bischof's 'Unseen Colour' is being shown at the Fox Talbot Museum in Lacock," Cochrane stated. "Henry Fox Talbot developed photography here because he couldn't paint or draw. Constance Talbot, one of the world's first female photographers, preferred painting to photography. Bischof's exhibition brings together Henry and Constance Talbot's artistic ambitions in a truly meaningful way."
The Werner Bischof Estate expressed deep gratitude to MASI Lugano and the Swiss Foundation of Photography (Fotostiftung Schweiz) for their generous support, which made possible the restoration and exhibition of these remarkable color works. The exhibition is being presented in collaboration with Magnum Photos, ensuring the highest standards of curation and presentation.
"Werner Bischof: Unseen Colour" will run for a full year, from May 31, 2025, to May 31, 2026, at the Fox Talbot Museum of the National Trust, located at Lacock, Chippenham SN15 2LG, United Kingdom. Additional information about the exhibition and Bischof's work can be found at www.wernerbischof.com.
