Jürgen Schadeberg facts for kids

Jürgen Schadeberg (born March 18, 1931 – died August 29, 2020) was a famous photographer and artist. He was born in Germany but became well-known for his work in South Africa. He took many important pictures that show key moments in South African history.

One of his most famous photos is of Nelson Mandela at Robben Island prison. Jürgen also lived, worked, and taught photography in London and Spain. He took pictures in many different African countries too. His amazing work is kept in major art collections in London, like the National Portrait Gallery and the Victoria and Albert Museum.

Jürgen Schadeberg's Early Life

Jürgen Schadeberg was born in Berlin, Germany, in 1931. He grew up during a difficult time in Germany, known as the Nazi era, and during World War II. After the war, his mother moved to South Africa in 1947.

Jürgen learned how to be a photographer at the German Press Agency. In 1950, he moved to South Africa to join his family. The next year, he started working for Drum magazine. He was their official photographer and helped design the magazine pages.

Documenting South African History

Jürgen Schadeberg became a very important person at Drum magazine. He taught and guided many talented South African photographers. Some of these included Bob Gosani, Ernest Cole, and Peter Magubane.

He was one of the few white photographers who took pictures of daily life for black communities. This helped him understand black life and culture very well. Because of this, he captured the start of the freedom movement. He also showed the effects of apartheid, which was a system of unfair laws. His photos also captured the lively spirit of township life.

Schadeberg photographed many important events in the 1950s. These included the Defiance Campaign in 1952 and the 1956 Treason Trial. He also documented the forced removals from Sophiatown in 1955. He captured the exciting jazz and social scene in Sophiatown. Later, he photographed the funeral after the Sharpeville massacre in 1960. He also took pictures of prisoners on Robben Island.

He photographed many famous people, including Nelson Mandela, Walter Sisulu, Oliver Tambo, and Miriam Makeba. He also documented jazz legends of the 1950s, like Hugh Masekela. Jürgen also took pictures of everyday life. He sometimes faced challenges because of the unfair laws of the time.

Working as a Freelancer and Abroad

In 1959, Jürgen Schadeberg left Drum magazine to work for himself as a freelancer. He joined an expedition to study the Bushmen people. He later published these images in a book called The Kalahari Bushmen Dance.

Because of growing unrest in South Africa, Schadeberg felt he had to leave. In 1964, he moved to London. There, he worked as a picture editor for Camera Owner magazine. He made the magazine more visually appealing. He also taught photography and helped organize photo exhibitions in England.

Later, he moved to Spain to focus on his art. In 1972, he returned to Africa. He worked as a photographer for Christian Aid in Botswana and Tanzania. In 1973, he traveled through Senegal, Mali, Kenya, and Zaire, taking many more photographs.

In 1985, Schadeberg returned to South Africa with his wife, Claudia. He continued to work as a photojournalist. He also made documentaries about the black community until 2007, when he moved back to Europe.

Jürgen Schadeberg's Passing

Jürgen Schadeberg passed away from a stroke at his home in La Drova, Valencia, Spain. He died on August 29, 2020, at the age of 89.

Films and Videos by Jürgen Schadeberg

Jürgen Schadeberg also made several films and videos:

• Ernest Cole — This video is about the life and work of a brave black photographer.
• Voices from Robben Island — This film tells the history of the famous island prison.
• Have You Seen Drum Recently? — This film shows the lively and challenging 1950s in South Africa. It uses original music and photos from Drum magazine.
• The seven ages of music — A journey through music history, from ancient singing to modern artists like Hugh Masekela.
• Dolly & the Inkspots — This video shares the life and memories of a legendary jazz singing group.

Where His Work is Kept

Jürgen Schadeberg's photographs are part of these permanent collections:

• Arts Council Collection, UK
• National Portrait Gallery, London
• Tate, London
• Victoria and Albert Museum, London