LAPD Photo Archive

Discussion in 'Whatever' started by ultrakaiju, Jul 20, 2019.

  1. ultrakaiju

    ultrakaiju Die-Cast Staff Member

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    Just learned of this exhibit, which may be of interest to some of the locals on the board. I'd check this out certainly if I could. The House of Lucie at Row DTLA is currently hosting an exhibit of early 20th century crime scene and police photos recovered by Merrick Morton (a photographer himself and reserve officer) circa 2000 from an old warehouse which was set to be destroyed.

    The archive contains some truly impressive shots, both for the composition as well as the subject matter. It really is a fascinating glimpse into the era, early Los Angeles, and the crime of the time. These work not just as a collective piece of history and record of a former period, but as social study the subjects are incredible. As a pure aside to that, they are beautiful pieces of art in this medium.

    Some minor samples I pulled out (censored for content, as there are some graphic ones):








    You can watch a brief video on the exhibit and the story via the BBC here.

    More information on the exhibit, its dates and location, is available on the gallery website.

    And finally, but perhaps most importantly, you can check out a full selection of some of the stills via the Fototeka project.

    WARNING: as I said, there are some very graphic/gruesome images (these are police images after all, and encompass everything that that might entail), and the subject matter should not be considered appropriate for everyone. These are real images, and some encompass details which could be offensive and/or disagreeable to the audience. Please exercise judgement in viewing.

    http://www.fototeka.com/lapd/index.html
     
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  2. gatiio

    gatiio Post Pimp

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    insightful visual record.

    Thanks for sharing
     
  3. TattooDougHardy

    TattooDougHardy Comment King

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    Oh man, I have to find my grandfather in these. I'm sure he's in them because he was the first Hispanic LAPD Homicide detective. He was also on the anti-gang taskforce and they had him carry out perps in front of the press because he was handsome. That's Los Angeles for you.
    Edit: rats, he's not in any of them; I thought there would be more photos.
     
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  4. ultrakaiju

    ultrakaiju Die-Cast Staff Member

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    Hey Doug, man, what a great story. I am not sure if the ones posted here are the extent of the current exhibition, but I would definitely think about reaching out to Mr. Morton if you are interested at all, as I think he owns/curates the collection, and probably has access to an extensive library. He would probably really appreciate your interest, and you might get to make some prints off the original negatives if you can find some with him. The team has been working on these for 15 years now from what I understand, and has done research to identify much of it. I also believe I read a story how pleased he was when one of the original photographers showed up and identified some of his own work, so likely they are keen on building that real world connection.

    Basically, I think that there could potentially be much more, and it never hurts to just send out an email enquiring.
     
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  5. Lalo

    Lalo Mini Boss

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    Do you have any photos? Sounds super interesting!
     
  6. TattooDougHardy

    TattooDougHardy Comment King

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    I have a ton of old photos of his in storage. I'll have to get them and take some snaps someday
     
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