Lewis W Hine

Lewis W Hine.

We've had a Lewis W Hine photograph on our living room wall for years 'Workmen eating lunch on the 69th floor'. I bought it for my husband Adam as it had always been a photograph he'd liked and with him working in construction he found the image fascinating.

I love this photograph for several reasons, but mainly for the balls to get up there with the construction workers to get this shot. However having read up on Hine, this was probably a far easier shot to achieve then many he'd taken before.

I look at it often and it never ceases to amaze or intrigue me. He only agreed to take the photos of the construction of the building as he needed the money. This is just one of many images Hine took during the construction.

His passion was with social documentary and spent years photographing child labour across America. Sometimes to gain access he would lie about who he was, an insurance agent or fire safety official were among his guises. Child labour was a major issue and Hine became a member of the National Child Labour Committee. He used his skills as a photographer to shock America into seeing what was going on in the factories.

Turning children into little old men and women.

A poster designed by Hine.

In 1903 Hine takes a series of photogaphs on Ellis Island of immigrants arriving in America.

In 1932 produces a book of images called 'Men at Work, an illustrated book for young people'.

Looking through a brief catologue of Hine's work it's clear his passion was people and real lives. Showing America and the world the not so pretty side of construction, living and working environments.