The exhibition “Light and shadow: Photographs of the Bochum Association for Cast Steel Production 1860-1945” features photographs from the Krupp Historical Archive at the City Archive – Bochum Centre for Urban History945“ zeigt Fotografien aus dem Historischen Archiv Krupp im Stadtarchiv Bochum
On 27 May, the exhibition “Light and Shadow: Photographs of the Bochum Association for Cast Steel Production1860–1945” opens at the City Archive – Bochum Centre for Urban History. This collaborative project between the Krupp Historical Archive, students from Ruhr University Bochum and the City Archive – Bochum Centre for Urban History presents historical photographs from the photographic collection of the “Bochum Association for Cast Steel Production” (Bochumer Verein für Gussstahlfabrikation), documenting life at the former company.
In addition to technical developments, production processes and everyday scenes from the work environment, the exhibition also places these images within the context of industrial and photographic history. The photographs also offer insights into the social and political contexts of their time and encourage visitors to question their relationship with photographic images: What is real? What is staged? What defines industrial photography, and for what purposes were the photographs used?
The Bochum Association for Cast Steel Production, which was one of the leading steel production companies in Germany, showed an early interest in the medium of photography and engaged freelance ‘light artists’. In 1886, the first permanently employed factory photographer was appointed, and by 1939 the company already employed nine photographers – more than almost any other company in Germany. The Krupp Historical Archive now holds more than 180,000 photographic images from the Bochum Association for Cast Steel Production.
Visitors can view visit the exhibition from 28 May 2026 until 31 January 2027. Opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 10 am to 6 pm, and Saturday, Sunday and public holidays from 11 am to 5 pm. Admission is free.