By now most interested photographers have heard about Vivian Maier. I even wrote an entry that discussed her … There Is A Lot of World Class Work Being Created We Will Never See, But That’s Alright. She was a fantastic street photographer, whose work was destined to remain unknown were it not discovered by John Maloof in 2007.  Now I have learned about Jack Sharp, thanks to one of my former students.  Thanks Susan!!!  She sent me a link to an excellent article by Michael Zhang that appears on the PetaPixel website https://petapixel.com/2020/08/24/man-inherits-treasure-trove-of-unseen-street-photos-from-his-grandfather/

Damn … another great, unknown photographer no longer with us!! This time a Brit, who made most of his black and white street photographs in Switzerland between 1950 and 1970.  Discovered by his grandson, Dylan Scalet, after inheriting and examining a treasure trove of over 5000 negatives, it’s an important discovery … “Man Inherits Treasure Trove of Unseen Street Photos From His Grandfather”.

Jack Sharp is a great street photographer, whose work can be compared to Maier’s. There is now a website published by his grandson that is devoted to his photography. See it here: https://www.jacksharp.co.uk. 

As I have discussed before, how many other great, unknown photographers are out there waiting to be discovered, whose work may never see the light of day?  Part of the issue is that they simply are not driven to be discovered or to even promote their work. They just want to photograph for the love and passion of it. My guess is that Jack Sharp felt that way, and good for him! But I’m sure glad he saved his negatives, made sure they were passed on, and that his grandson happened to be interested photography and knew some great images when he saw them!

In yet another example of the many small miracles that have occurred during Covid-19, Dylan received the negatives in 2014 but hadn’t examined them until now.  Like most of us he probably now had a little extra time on his hands. Great! I’m thankful for his discovery and doubly thankful that I can now enjoy this excellent body of work.

So how many Vivian Maiers and Jack Sharps are out there … past and present?  We will never know, but I am deeply inspired by their work that I will likely never see and their passion for what they deeply love/loved. It is that love of photography itself and the doing of the work that makes what they do/did so special.

So to all the unknown’s out there doing great work for the love and passion of it … keep at it … you’re an inspiration to us all!

Stay safe,

Michael