Walter Joseph facts for kids

Walter Joseph (1922–2003) was a talented photographer. He was born in Germany but had to move to England in 1939. He lived there for the rest of his life.

Walter Joseph took many pictures of London after World War II. For a long time, his photos were not well known. But in 2011, a curator named John Falconer from the British Library learned about his work. Walter Joseph was not very confident about his photography. However, his stepdaughter wanted to share his amazing pictures with the world. She had many of his old photo negatives.

Out of 80 photos that still existed, 30 were shown for the very first time. This special art show was at the British Library in London. It happened between July and September 2011. It was part of the London Street Photography Festival.

Walter Joseph's Life Story

Walter Felix Abraham Joseph was born in Darmstadt, Germany, in 1922. In 1939, he had to leave Germany because of the war. His twin brothers also left soon after him.

During Second World War, he was held in a camp called Mooragh Internment Camp. This camp was in Ramsey on the Isle of Man. After the war, he settled in London. He worked in a newspaper's photo lab. He also loved taking his own photos as a hobby.

Walter Joseph did not think his photos were very good. But his family always believed in his work. They helped him get the recognition he deserved many years later.

His Amazing Photos

Walter Joseph took most of his pictures in the East End of London. His photos show a special and touching view of the city after the war. He captured what London looked like through the eyes of someone who had to leave his home country.

An article in The Independent newspaper talked about why his photos are so interesting. It said that people are still fascinated by that time and the people who lived through it. Joseph's photos show everyday people. They show street sellers and entertainers. They give us a real look at life back then.

Walter Joseph's Art Show

Walter Joseph's work was shown to the public for the first time in 2011. It was part of the London Street Photography Festival. The exhibit was called "Walter Joseph: Street Markets of London in the 1940s."

It was held at the British Library from July 1 to September 12, 2011. The show had 30 pictures. These photos were taken between 1947 and 1948. They showed different London markets, street traders, and performers. After the festival, Walter Joseph's family made some of his prints available for people to buy.

• 2011: British Library, London