World History: Exhibition of unknown aerial photographs of destroyed Berlin

The Berlin Collection Regard is launching an exhibition of unknown aerial photographs of Berlin destroyed after World War II. These photographs were made in 1945 by Hein Gorny, however they have never been put on display before.

Photographs taken by Gorny, who passed away in 1967, had remained unnoticed by gallerists until they were by accident discovered by the French collector Marc Barbey. He says that about three years ago he learnt that Gorny’s personal exhibition was held in 1972 in one of the first photo galleries in Europe. Further investigations helped Barbey unveil Gorny’s catalogue, where he saw aerial photos of Berlin.

Hein Gorny collaborated with the American Adolph Byers on an adventurous photographic excursion that resulted in unique aerial photographs documenting the city of Berlin and it's destruction in the aftermath of the war. Exhibition’s organizers claim that Gorny’s photographs are almost only images of Berlin having artistic value. This fact makes them unique as post-war Berlin was mainly photographed by soldiers.

The exhibition will showcase 74 photographs, taken by Gorny not only in the air but on the earth as well. “These photographs, made with original effects of shades, demonstrate a new view on the horrors of World War II, - said the curator of the exhibition Antonio Panetta.