The
Portfolio
UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization)
commissioned David Seymour to photograph the orphans and struggling children who
survived World War II. His 1947-48 travels through Europe's resulted in a 62-page
book, published by UNESCO in 1949, entitled "Children of Europe".
It opens with an 8-page "Letter to a Grownup" written in first person from a child
speaking on behalf of the "13,000,000 abandoned children of Europe." The remaining
pages are filled with Chim's 51 images of individuals and groups of children
recovering from injuries, eating in shelters, learning in schools, and roaming destroyed
cities. These touching photos show the destruction of war and the sadness of loss, but
equally portray hopeful signs that their future will be better. They make a strong case
about the importance of supporting efforts, such as UNESCO's, to serve the special
needs of these children.
This publication and the photos made an enormous impact, developing Chim's
reputation, especially as a photographer or troubled Children. The Art Institute of
Chicago mounted an exhibit based on these photos in 1957, and some of these
photos have become iconic images of the impact of war on children.
commissioned David Seymour to photograph the orphans and struggling children who
survived World War II. His 1947-48 travels through Europe's resulted in a 62-page
book, published by UNESCO in 1949, entitled "Children of Europe".
It opens with an 8-page "Letter to a Grownup" written in first person from a child
speaking on behalf of the "13,000,000 abandoned children of Europe." The remaining
pages are filled with Chim's 51 images of individuals and groups of children
recovering from injuries, eating in shelters, learning in schools, and roaming destroyed
cities. These touching photos show the destruction of war and the sadness of loss, but
equally portray hopeful signs that their future will be better. They make a strong case
about the importance of supporting efforts, such as UNESCO's, to serve the special
needs of these children.
This publication and the photos made an enormous impact, developing Chim's
reputation, especially as a photographer or troubled Children. The Art Institute of
Chicago mounted an exhibit based on these photos in 1957, and some of these
photos have become iconic images of the impact of war on children.
Download "Children of Europe" (9Mb)
Recommended to right click on link and "save target as" on to your PC.
Recommended to right click on link and "save target as" on to your PC.
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