As modern as tomorrow: photographers in postwar Melbourne showcases striking commercial photography from the Library’s collection, and gives a unique insight into the changing social fabric of mid-20th-century Melbourne.

Between the 1930s and the 1960s, Melbourne saw an influx of talented photographers from abroad, with an eye for capturing images unlike anything Australia had ever seen.

As modern as tomorrow features works by:

• Maggie Diaz
• Norman Ikin
• Helmut Newton
• Athol Shmith
• Wolfgang Sievers
• Mark Strizic
• Dacre Stubbs
• Henry Talbot

These exceptionally talented individuals were active in commercial fields as varied as fashion, advertising, architectural and industrial photography, for clients including Robin Boyd, the Australian Wool Board, Shell and Kodak.

As modern as tomorrow presents this work in a new context, as the photographs are displayed alongside the corporate publications and advertising material in which they originally appeared. Many of these images from the Library’s collection are on public display for the first time.

The Keith Murdoch Gallery is open daily 10am–5pm, and until 9pm on Thursdays. Closed on public holidays.

IMAGE GALLERY