After the Theater, London

1934

Bill Brandt

(British, 1904–1983)

Culture

England, 20th century

Medium

gelatin silver print

Measurements

Image: 23 x 19.7 cm (9 1/16 x 7 3/4 in.); Paper: 23.5 x 20.3 cm (9 1/4 x 8 in.); Matted: 45.7 x 35.6 cm (18 x 14 in.)

Credit Line

John L. Severance Fund 1986.187

This artwork is known to be under copyright.

Location

Not on view

Description

During a career that spanned some 50 years, Bill Brandt created a remarkably varied body of work that made him the most important 20th-century British photographer. After the Theatre, London initially appeared in his first book, The English at Home (1936). Using a flash, Brandt created an otherworldly scene of a starkly illuminated taxicab and its tuxedoed passenger, the artist's brother. Although the image is documentary in style, it was meticulously staged by the photographer. Brandt sometimes made preparatory drawings for his photographs, and he often pressed family members and friends into service as models.