Hermann Leisinger Archive

My grandfather Hermann Leisinger was a fascinating person. I hear he was very charming, stylish and emanated creativity, which found many outlets, from photography to painting to carpet making, throughout his life. 

I am currently archiving his photographic legacy and exploring possible ways to share this work with a wider audience.

Before his debilitating stroke in 1964, he loved to photograph and frequently travelled within Europe. There are amazing scenes of rainy Paris in 1932, wild flea markets and fishing in the Seine. There are cloth-covered market rows in Spain and beautiful portraits of families traveling with all their belongings on horseback in Greece. But most of his photographs were taken in Italy, a country and people he adored with whom he felt a deep connection. 

He had a passion for all things antique and mystical. In 1953 he published a book on the Etruscan cave paintings “Malerei der Etrusker in Taraquinia.” Later in 1957, he was commissioned to photograph a series on the intricate solid bronze doors found on many churches for “Romanische Bronzen. Kirchentüren im mittelalterlichen Europa”.

Looking at his photographs, it is apparent that he had a strong awareness of composition and space; a curious tender side and a beautiful sense of humour. 

I can see how his visual style has rolled through his sons' lives and into mine. This is a fascinating trace to follow, the invisible yet almost tangible thing that is family culture.

I am currently working with my father Peter and my uncle Thomas Leisinger on a selection of his photographs for a book.