Britain's What's On Event Guide
The Life and Legacy of Andor Kraszna-Krausz (Founder of Focal Press)
Join us for an engaging and insightful lecture exploring the remarkable life, work, and influence of Andor Kraszna-Krausz (AKK)—a pioneering figure in photography and film publishing, and the visionary founder of Focal Press.
About the Event
Born in Hungary and later based in Berlin. Andor Kraszna-Krausz became a leading editor, reviewer, and cultural commentator in photography and the moving image. After relocating to Britain in 1937, he established Focal Press, which he developed into the world’s foremost photography publisher. By his retirement in 1978, Focal Press had produced more than 1,200 titles, selling over 50 million books globally in multiple languages. Beyond publishing, AKK was known for his cultured interests—from motor cars and antiques to literature and his beloved dogs.
This lecture presents new research and fresh insights into AKK’s extraordinary career and personal passions. Drawing on material from AKK’s archive—bequeathed to the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television—and on the legacy of the Kraszna-Krausz Foundation, Dr Pritchard will illuminate how AKK transformed photography publishing and left an enduring impact on visual culture.
About the Speaker
Dr Michael Pritchard is a leading photography historian with a PhD in the history of photography. His extensive career includes work with Christie’s on the Kodak Historical Collection, long service as a director of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), and ongoing contributions as a consultant, editor of British Photo History, and researcher on the history of British photography and the RPS. His authority and experience bring unparalleled depth to this exploration of AKK’s life.
Why Attend?
· Discover the untold story of a publishing pioneer
· Gain exclusive insights from new research by a respected photography historian
· Learn about the origins and ongoing work of the Kraszna-Krausz Foundation
About the Event
Born in Hungary and later based in Berlin. Andor Kraszna-Krausz became a leading editor, reviewer, and cultural commentator in photography and the moving image. After relocating to Britain in 1937, he established Focal Press, which he developed into the world’s foremost photography publisher. By his retirement in 1978, Focal Press had produced more than 1,200 titles, selling over 50 million books globally in multiple languages. Beyond publishing, AKK was known for his cultured interests—from motor cars and antiques to literature and his beloved dogs.
This lecture presents new research and fresh insights into AKK’s extraordinary career and personal passions. Drawing on material from AKK’s archive—bequeathed to the National Museum of Photography, Film and Television—and on the legacy of the Kraszna-Krausz Foundation, Dr Pritchard will illuminate how AKK transformed photography publishing and left an enduring impact on visual culture.
About the Speaker
Dr Michael Pritchard is a leading photography historian with a PhD in the history of photography. His extensive career includes work with Christie’s on the Kodak Historical Collection, long service as a director of the Royal Photographic Society (RPS), and ongoing contributions as a consultant, editor of British Photo History, and researcher on the history of British photography and the RPS. His authority and experience bring unparalleled depth to this exploration of AKK’s life.
Why Attend?
· Discover the untold story of a publishing pioneer
· Gain exclusive insights from new research by a respected photography historian
· Learn about the origins and ongoing work of the Kraszna-Krausz Foundation
Tuesday 2 December
17-19 Cockspur Street, London SW1Y 5BL
2 December, 6:30 PMFREE ENTRY
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