Marseille’s Detaille Photographic Collection: A Million Images Reveal City’s History
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A newly unveiled exhibition at the Marseille History Museum showcases a remarkable collection of over one million photographs, offering a rare glimpse into the evolution of the historic French city. The collection, amassed by the Detaille family over three generations, promises to reshape understanding of Marseille’s social and architectural transformations.
A Legacy Begins with Nadar
The story of this extraordinary archive begins in 1887, when Nadar, widely considered the father of French photography, established his workshop on rue Noailles. In 1903, the Detaille family took the reins, meticulously building upon Nadar’s foundation for nearly a century. This familial dedication ensured the preservation of a photographic record that would otherwise have been lost to time.
An Archive of Immense Scale
The sheer volume of the Detaille photographic collection is staggering. According to reports, transporting the archive required twenty moving trucks and occupied forty linear meters of storage space. This immense scale underscores the depth and breadth of the collection, encompassing an estimated one million photographs, alongside countless negatives and glass plates.
Marseille Through the Lens
The collection offers a unique visual narrative of Marseille, a city steeped in history as a Phoenician trading post. The images capture a diverse tapestry of life, featuring both anonymous citizens and prominent figures. More importantly, the photographs document the dramatic metamorphoses of the city, particularly the vibrant activity surrounding its iconic Old Port, described as “like two arms wide open to the world.”
A Family’s Dedication to Preservation
The preservation of this “moving heritage,” as it has been described, is a testament to the Detaille family’s commitment. Art historian Emmanuel Laugier and Gérard Detaille, the grandson of photographer Fernand Detaille, are contributing their expertise to the exhibition, providing valuable context and insights into the images. Their commentary promises to unlock hidden stories within the archive.
Exhibition Details and Future Research
The exhibition at the Marseille History Museum provides the first major public access to this previously little-known treasure. The collection is expected to become a vital resource for researchers and historians seeking to understand the social, cultural, and architectural development of Marseille. Further analysis of the archive is anticipated to reveal even more about the city’s rich and complex past.
