We are proud to welcome the DEXTRA Photo Collection from Norway as our latest member of The Commons. The collection was assembled by the photographer Arne Knudsen. who started Knudsen’s Photo Center in 1958 and has throughout his career been an avid collector of photography and photographic objects. Owened by the DNB Savings Foundation and deposited at the Norwegian Museum of Science and Technology, the collection consists of about 1,8 million photos and around 6,000 photo-technical artifacts.

Besides a wide range of vernacular photography, primarily from the 20th century, it consists of extensive photographic material from Knudsen’s own business in Knudsens Fotosenter from the period between 1958 and 2005. Other notable photographers are Teigens Fotoatelier, specializing in architectural photography, Paul A. Røstad, concentrating on social landscapes and agricultural images, and Anders Beer Wilse, who is considered one of the most important Norwegian photographers of all time.

The focus is squarely on commercial photography within the fields of architectural, industrial, fashion, theatre, product and portraiture. As a result the collection is a rich source not only to the cultural history of the 20th century, but also to understanding the industry and business of photography itself.

Help make the photographs you enjoy more discoverable by adding tags and leaving comments. Your contributions and knowledge make these photos even richer. You can check out the whole selection in their sets, and we hope you enjoy this collection as much as we do.

Photos from DEXTRA Photo.