Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Other Coronation

Henri Cartier-Bresson's photographs of the coronation of George VI in 1937 capture the British public at a unique historical moment, showing ordinary people of all ages and walks of life straining to get a better view.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 09 May 2023
Publisher: Thames & Hudson Ltd

The coronation of George VI on May 12, 1937, was a remarkable media spectacle that captivated the interwar era. While many photographers focused on the new King, his family, and the ceremonial grandeur of the event, Henri Cartier-Bresson chose to capture the vibrant energy of the crowds that lined the streets of London to witness the spectacle. In a playful twist, he shifted his attention away from the privileged and towards the ordinary people, showcasing a diverse range of individuals from different ages and backgrounds. Some climbed on monuments or shoulders, desperately trying to get a better view, while others resorted to unconventional tools like cardboard periscopes and mirrors on sticks. A few even found themselves slumped on the ground, overwhelmed by the sheer excitement of the festivities.

These captivating images, accompanied by contemporary news clippings from around the world, serve as a testament to Cartier-Bresson's exceptional photographic talent and his ability to capture the essence of a historical moment. They offer a unique glimpse into the British public's psyche at a time of profound change and transition.

The coronation of George VI on 12 May 1937 was one of the most significant media events of the interwar period. While other photographers focused on the new King, his family, and the ceremonial splendor of the day, Henri Cartier-Bresson turned his lens on the crowds that gathered in the streets of London to witness the pageantry. In a witty reversal of the expected order of proceedings, he showed us ordinary people of all ages and walks of life, some climbing on monuments or each other's shoulders, others straining to get a better view with cardboard periscopes and mirrors on sticks. A few even slumped on the ground, the festivities having proved too much. Presented alongside contemporary news clippings from around the world, these remarkable images reflect Cartier-Bresson's unmistakeable photographic eye and capture the British public at a unique historical moment.

The coronation of George VI on May 12, 1937, was a remarkable media spectacle that captivated the interwar era. While many photographers focused on the new King, his family, and the ceremonial grandeur of the event, Henri Cartier-Bresson chose to capture the vibrant energy of the crowds that lined the streets of London to witness the spectacle. In a playful twist, he shifted his attention away from the privileged and towards the ordinary people, showcasing a diverse range of individuals from different ages and backgrounds. Some climbed on monuments or shoulders, desperately trying to get a better view, while others resorted to unconventional tools like cardboard periscopes and mirrors on sticks. A few even found themselves slumped on the ground, overwhelmed by the sheer excitement of the festivities.

These captivating images, accompanied by contemporary news clippings from around the world, serve as a testament to Cartier-Bresson's exceptional photographic talent and his ability to capture the essence of a historical moment. They offer a unique glimpse into the British public's psyche at a time of profound change and transition.

The coronation of George VI on 12 May 1937 was one of the most significant media events of the interwar period. While other photographers focused on the new King, his family, and the ceremonial splendor of the day, Henri Cartier-Bresson turned his lens on the crowds that gathered in the streets of London to witness the pageantry. In a witty reversal of the expected order of proceedings, he showed us ordinary people of all ages and walks of life, some climbing on monuments or each other's shoulders, others straining to get a better view with cardboard periscopes and mirrors on sticks. A few even slumped on the ground, the festivities having proved too much. Presented alongside contemporary news clippings from around the world, these remarkable images reflect Cartier-Bresson's unmistakeable photographic eye and capture the British public at a unique historical moment.

The coronation of George VI on May 12, 1937, was a remarkable media spectacle that captivated the interwar era. While many photographers focused on the new King, his family, and the ceremonial grandeur of the event, Henri Cartier-Bresson chose to capture the vibrant energy of the crowds that lined the streets of London to witness the spectacle. In a playful twist, he shifted his attention away from the privileged and towards the ordinary people, showcasing a diverse range of individuals from different ages and backgrounds. Some climbed on monuments or shoulders, desperately trying to get a better view, while others resorted to unconventional tools like cardboard periscopes and mirrors on sticks. A few even found themselves slumped on the ground, overwhelmed by the sheer excitement of the festivities.

These captivating images, accompanied by contemporary news clippings from around the world, serve as a testament to Cartier-Bresson's exceptional photographic talent and his ability to capture the essence of a historical moment. They offer a unique glimpse into the British public's psyche at a time of profound change and transition.

Weight: 1022g
Dimension: 240 x 323 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780500027240