This exhibition at the Josef Sudek Gallery honors Jaroslav Bouček (1903–1985), a multifaceted figure known for his expertise in photographic technology, broader scientific pursuits, and active role in cultural organization. It highlights his significant contributions as a collector and historian of early photography.
The 82nd exhibition at the Josef Sudek Gallery is dedicated to Jaroslav Bouček (1903–1985), a notable specialist in photographic and film technology whose interests extended far beyond science. Bouček was also deeply involved in educational activities, collecting, and organizing cultural life, making him a prominent figure in Czechoslovak cultural history. He was a key organizer in the Czechoslovak Society for Scientific Cinematography and an active member of the Amateur Photographers’ Club in Brno.
Jaroslav Bouček began assembling his photographic collection in 1931, which has since grown into a significant archive containing unique daguerreotypes, ambrotypes, chromophotographs, and colored salted paper prints, alongside over two hundred business and cabinet cards. His extensive research on the history of photography in Moravia and Silesia, co-authored with his wife Zdeňka, resulted in two seminal publications that remain authoritative scholarly works. Bouček's wish was for his collection and research to benefit the largest state-owned photography collection, administered by the Museum of Decorative Arts in Prague, with discussions currently underway for its potential acquisition.