SEE SECRET TREASURES
Lost photos from the archive of Hollywood star photographer Frank Worth
ROTHERBAUM To get up close and personal with world stars like Marilyn Monroe, James Dean, or Ingrid Bergman – what sounds like an unattainable dream to many became reality for New York photographer Frank Worth. As their confidant, he was allowed to accompany the Hollywood icons with his camera in intimate moments and also during spectacular film scenes, thus creating unique portrait series. This was often only possible because of his promise never to publish these photographs.
It wasn't until after Worth's death in 2000 that his archive of approximately 10,000 negatives was discovered in Los Angeles and made accessible to the public. The Roschlaub Gallery at Mittelweg 21 has acquired some of these "secret treasures" and will be exhibiting them from March 23rd as part of the major group exhibition "The Golden Age of Hollywood." The discovery of the negatives, which the renowned auction house Christie's valued at over $10 million, posthumously elevated Frank Worth to the status of one of the most important photographic artists of the 20th century. "I am impressed not only by Worth's photographs, which radiate a very special intimacy, but above all by his fascinating life story as someone who enjoyed the trust of all these celebrities," says gallery owner Kirsten Roschlaub. "It is a great honor for me to be able to present parts of this extraordinary collection for the first time in Hamburg." In addition to the works of Frank Worth, the exhibition "The Golden Age of Hollywood" will feature photographs by other renowned Hollywood photographers such as Emest Bachrach, Elmer Fryer, and Homer van Pelt. (wb)