Teaching the World Photography: Andor Kraszna - Krausz (1904 - 1989). Lecture by Dr Michael Pritchard
Join us for this illustrated lecture about the life and legacy of the publisher, polymath and founder of KKF, Andor Kraszna-Krausz
Tuesday 2 December, 6.30-7.30pm
Liszt Institute London
Free, booking here
The lecture will be followed by a drinks reception
Born in Hungary, Andor Kraszna-Krausz (AKK) studied in Germany and moved to Berlin working as an influential editor and reviewer on photography and film publications, amongst other activities. He moved to Britain in 1937 and set up Focal Press which he built up to become the world’s leading photography publisher. By the time AKK retired in 1978 over 1200 titles had been produced selling over fifty million books, in multiple languages. AKK was a cultured man with interests ranging from motor cars to antiques, literature and his dogs.
AKK left his archive to the then National Museum of Photography, Film and Television and established the Kraszna-Krausz Foundation and book awards for photography and the moving image. As part of a commission to celebrate the fortieth anniversary of the Kraszna-Krausz Book Awards, Dr Michael Pritchard has undertaken in-depth archival research into AKK’s early years, his pre-war move to the UK and his professional life. This talk presents new insights into AKK’s life and work and discusses his notable legacy.
Dr Michael Pritchard holds a PhD in history of photography and has been an active photography historian for many years. During his career at Christie’s, he worked on the Kodak Historical Collection readying it for public access at the British Library, and was a director of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) from 2011 to 2024. He now consults on photography and its history for institutions, photographers and collections. He edits the British Photo History blog and The PhotoHistorian and is currently researching a history of British photography and the RPS.
This lecture is presented in partnership with the Liszt Institute.
KKF would like to thank the Institute for their kind support.
Dedicated to enhancing knowledge and appreciation of Hungarian culture, the Hungarian Cultural Centre organises and supports a wide spectrum of innovative programmes to promote Hungarian art and artists in the UK. Our mission is to familiarise local audiences with all the treasures of Hungary, and to highlight the values that Hungary owes to other cultures, and in turn to emphasise Hungary’s key bridging role in intercultural relations and cultural diplomacy.
