Polaroid Project

The definitive illustrated publication on the art and science of Polaroid 

 

Polaroid founder Edwin Land regarded his invention as more than a technical accomplishment or a convenient medium for both professional photographers and consumers - he saw Polaroid as a means of artistic expression. At Land's behest, and starting from a collaboration with Ansel Adams in 1949, Polaroid built an artists' liaison programme in which artists and photographers would donate prints in return for materials and access to cutting-edge Polaroid technology - including the legendary 24 x 20 inch Polaroid camera. Over the next five decades, the Polaroid collections in both the United States and Europe became world-renowned for the stellar list of names whose work it contained. Following Polaroid's second bankruptcy in 2008, the collections were fragmented - the US and European collections were split and key works were sold at auction. A comprehensive view of the collection was no longer possible - until now. With an associated, internationally touring exhibition opening in June 2017, The Polaroid Project is the only book to bring together both the outstanding photography created by the artists and photographers Polaroid worked with, alongside the technical objects and artifacts from the MIT Museum archive. Curated by William A. Ewing and Barbara Hitchcock, and with texts from other leading critics, curators and writers that discuss the Polaroid phenomenon in terms of artistic output and lasting legacy on design, technology, society and business, this book is the definitive publication for the many who have a deep love of Polaroid.

Review: 'If ever there was testament to the global affection for the remarkable visionary, artistic and technological triumph that is the Polaroid, The Polaroid Project is surely it' - AnOther

'Navigates gracefully between the art and science of Polaroid, and it's absolutely thorough in its scope. This is a great book, not only for those with a love of Polaroid, but also for anyone with a keen interest in the history of photography' - Amateur Photographer

'[A] comprehensive look at a type of photography that revolutionised the taking and making of pictures' - Black & White Photography

'A book where text and images are neatly balanced, and the presence of each feels as important as the other' - Photomonitor

'The Polaroid Project itself shows us that interest in this technology and its uniquely "authentic" aesthetic is increasing.... The king is dead - long live the king!' - Cellophaneland

'If you ever wondered anything about Polaroid photography, the science or the art, then all of your questions will no doubt be answered here ... you'll probably not be able to go away from this book without feeling uplifted and inspired' - Shutterhub

'A great book, not just for those who love Polaroid, but anyone interested in the history of photography' - Amateur Photography

'Exceptional ... a triumph. Buy it!' - State