Berenice Abbott: a Life in Photography

Julia van Haaften, founding curator of the Library’s photography collection, returns to talk with artist Anna Craycroft about Berenice Abbott: a Life in Photography, Van Haaften's comprehensive biography of the iconic 20th-century American photographer.

When warned by an older male supervisor about where “nice girls” should and shouldn't go to work, Berenice Abbott replied, “I’m not a nice girl. I’m a photographer...I go anywhere.” Abbott was a photographer of astounding innovation and artistry, who over a sixty-year career established herself not only as a master of American photography, but also as a teacher—she was the New School's first photography professor—as well as a writer, archivist, and inventor. Famously reticent in public, Abbott’s fascinating life has long remained a mystery—until now. 

The New York Public Library photography collection has extensive holdings of Abbott's work, including over 200 images from her best-known work, Changing New York. The Library also houses the photographer’s own papers, which contain correspondence, writings, photographs, and personal materials.

Van Haaften speaks with artist Anna Craycroft, whose own work The Earth is a Magnet (2016) engaged with the  photography, biography, and inventions of Berenice Abbott.

FIRST COME, FIRST SEATED
For free events, we generally overbook to ensure a full house. Priority will be given to those who have registered in advance, but registration does not guarantee admission. All registered seats are released shortly before start time, and seats may become available at that time. A standby line will form one hour before the program.

PRESS 
Please send all press inquiries (photo, video, interviews, audio-recording, etc.) at least 24-hours before the day of the program to Ayofemi Kirby at ayofemikirby@nypl.org.