Architectural Photograph Collection Robert Spreng (1890-1969) Basel Switzerland Schwarz Park

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This photography portfolio contains an amazing and rare collection of nine photographs by Robert Spreng. A notation on the front … Read more This photography portfolio contains an amazing and rare collection of nine photographs by Robert Spreng. A notation on the front of the portfolio provides the clue that identifies the photography location as the residence and extensive property of Consul Fritz Schwarz von Spreckelsen which today is Schwarz Park in Basel, Switzerland.

The portfolio includes photographs which document the Schwarz von Spreckelsen art collection and show the interior home decor and furniture of a prominent Swiss family of the early 20th century.

Robert Spreng (1890-1969) was a Swiss photographer active in the 1920s - 1940s. Based in Basel, Switzerland, Spreng is considered an important figure in the history of Swiss photography, pioneering innovative photographic techniques as well as the New Objectivity (Neue Sachlichkeit) art movement. Spreng destroyed many of his photo plates and negatives when he closed his studio in 1967.

From the Dalbedyych website:
Basel’s exclusive residential area, the Gellert, is located on the terrace south of the Teich. This is where Consul Schwarz von Spreckelsen purchased a villa with a generous park complex. Consul Schwarz, a passionate hunter, had a game enclosure with a herd of deer installed. After the property was sold to a group of investors in 1987, a (successful) public initiative was launched to preserve the greenery of the Schwarz Park. The Schwarz Park has been owned by the Canton of Basel-City since 1998 and has been open to the public since 2014.

The sturdy portfolio measures 16 1/2" x 13". The photographs measure 8 3/4" x 6 1/2" and are mounted on 12 1/2" x 15 3/4" card mounts, each of which is stamped with the "Rob Spreng Basel" imprint.

These are vintage circa 1930 photographs in very good condition. The card stock matting has some discoloration and marks, and soiling on the front and back cover of the portfolio. See less