The Glass Plates of Lublin: Found Photographs of a Lost Jewish World

The Glass Plates of Lublin is a collection of 2,700 glass photographic plates discovered in the attic of a nineteenth-century apartment building in Lublin, Poland, between 1913 and 1930. They capture the teeming life of Lublin before the war, at a time when Jews composed a third of the city's population. The images include Jews and Poles, children and the elderly, young lovers, workers, athletes, and everyday people who posed for a camera long ago, never dreaming that their portraits would one day be of interest to anyone. The plates have been restored and are now exhibited at the Grodzka Gate - NN Theatre Centre in Lublin, where curator Piotr Nazaruk and his staff continue to work to identify their subjects and solve the mystery of the photographer who took them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 18 February 2022
Publisher: White Goat Press

The Glass Plates of Lublin is a captivating collection of over 2,700 glass photographic plates discovered in the attic of a nineteenth-century apartment building in Lublin, Poland. These images, spanning from 1913 to 1930, offer a glimpse into the vibrant life of Lublin before the outbreak of World War II. What makes these plates even more remarkable is the fact that they capture a diverse range of individuals, including Jews and Poles, children and the elderly, young lovers, workers, athletes, and ordinary people who had never imagined their portraits would one day be of interest to anyone.

The restoration of these plates, which began in 2010, has been a labor of love for curator Piotr Nazaruk and his dedicated staff at the Grodzka Gate - NN Theatre Centre in Lublin. Their tireless efforts have resulted in the identification of many of the subjects depicted in the photographs, shedding light on the lives and communities of Lublin during this period.

For centuries, Lublin was a thriving hub of Jewish life in Europe. These photographs, dating from around 1913 to the 1930s, showcase the diversity and richness of the city's Jewish community. The images depict signs of different political parties and members of various social classes, reflecting the diverse backgrounds of the Jewish population. They also capture the construction and opening of the Yeshivat Chochmei Lublin, which would soon become the largest yeshiva in the world.

In addition to the portraits of individuals, the photographs also depict groups of left-wing and secular Jewish youngsters, such as members of Bund-affiliated youth groups. These images provide a unique insight into the social and political climate of Lublin during this period, as well as the changing attitudes towards Jewish secularization.

Many of the photographs were taken in the Saxon Garden, Lublin's Central Park, and in the nearby villages and towns of Nowodwór, Motycz, and Na??czów. These locations were popular vacation spots for Lublin residents, offering a respite from the bustling city life. The images capture the changing fashions and styles of the time, reflecting the growing influence of Jewish secularization and the emergence of a more modern Jewish identity.

Since the discovery of the Glass Plates of Lublin, the collection has undergone extensive research and analysis. Researchers have used various techniques, such as digital imaging and genealogy, to identify and trace the subjects depicted in the photographs. They have also consulted historical records and archives to gather additional information about the city and its Jewish community during this period.

One of the most intriguing aspects of this collection is the mystery surrounding the identity of the photographer who took the plates. While some of the photographs bear the signature of a known photographer, many others remain unsigned. This has led to speculation and conjecture about the possible motives and intentions of the photographer, as well as the broader context in which the photographs were taken.

Despite the challenges and complexities associated with this collection, the Glass Plates of Lublin continue to captivate and inspire people around the world. They serve as a powerful reminder of the rich history and diversity of Lublin, as well as the resilience and perseverance of the Jewish community in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, the Glass Plates of Lublin is a remarkable discovery that offers a glimpse into the vibrant life of Lublin before the outbreak of World War II. These photographs, which capture a diverse range of individuals and communities, have been meticulously restored and are now exhibited at the Grodzka Gate - NN Theatre Centre in Lublin. Through their tireless efforts, curators and researchers have been able to identify many of the subjects depicted in the photographs and shed light on the lives and experiences of Lublin's Jewish population during this period. The mystery surrounding the identity of the photographer continues to intrigue and inspire, as does the enduring legacy of Lublin's Jewish community.

Weight: 994g
Dimension: 291 x 255 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9798985206920