Artist
Bernard Cole (American, born England, 1911–1982)American, born England, 1911–1982
CultureAmerican
Titles
- Shoemaker's Lunch
Date1949
PlaceNewark, New Jersey, United States
MediumGelatin silver print
DimensionsImage: 8 7/8 × 7 3/8 in. (22.5 × 18.8 cm)
Sheet: 9 15/16 × 7 15/16 in. (25.2 × 20.2 cm)
Sheet: 9 15/16 × 7 15/16 in. (25.2 × 20.2 cm)
Credit LineMuseum purchase funded by the Polaroid Foundation
Object number81.46
Not on view
Explore Further
Department
PhotographyObject Type
Photo League instructors encouraged their students to have a
distinct point of view, and to consider their own lived experiences when
photographing others. This philosophy encouraged a respect and empathy for all people,
and led some League members to photograph their own neighborhoods, cultures, and
communities. Bernard Cole’s photograph of a shoemaker taking a break from work
to enjoy lunch is one such example—before studying at the League and becoming a
professional photographer, Cole worked at a shoe factory and was a union
organizer for the United Shoe Workers.
Provenance[Visual Studies Workshop, Rochester, New York]; purchased by MFAH, 1981.
Inscriptions, Signatures and Marks
Inscribed in pencil, verso, lower right: Shoemakers Lunch // Photograph // Bernard Cole [signed]
Signed in pencil, verso, lower right: Bernard Cole
Cataloguing data may change with further research.
If you have questions about this work of art or the MFAH Online Collection please contact us.
Kat Cole
2012
Steel, sterling silver, brass, enamel, and found material
2015.82