Untitled (Crime Scene), photographer unknown, c.1950

This event is part of our Past Programme

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Black and white scene of a room with a desk, floor lamp and radio, the floor is covered in dust and debris and there is a hole in the brick wall. A figure's boot can be seen exiting the frame on the right.

This photograph purportedly comes from an archive in the Carlisle, Pennsylvania area of the USA. It was one of three prints listed on an eBay seller’s store, all depicting similarly devastated, domestic interiors.

The description in the listing for this photograph was “Original Vintage Photo Unusual View of Crime Scene Car Wreck in Home Interior w/Radio from Carlisle PA Area Archive circa 1950s Size is 8x10”.“ The back of the photograph has a pencil inscription E04540 toward the bottom right corner.

The USA in particular has a long history of, and fascination with, crime scene photography. Many photographers specialise in this genre, with photographer Arthur Fellig (or ‘Weegee’) one of the better known. The photographs have a range of uses – from police and insurance investigations, reportage, and as research aids for filmmakers, playwrights and crime writers.

This photograph featured as part of the Touchstone programme (2012-2020). Each display consisted of a single photographic work on the Eranda studio floor where visitors were invited to respond to the question 'What do you see?' using the cards and pencils provided. A bench was placed in front of the work, encouraging people to spend a little longer than they might usually. The programme was part of a wider series of projects and activities related to visual literacy.

A selection of audience responses to the question 'What do you see?'

Postcard with writing and quick sketches of bricks and books Postcard with writing Postcard with writing Postcard with writing Postcard with writing Postcard with drawing of a room with desk, lamp, old-fashioned radio on a stand and a whole in a brick wall. Postcard with writing Postcard with writing Postcard with drawing of desk, lamp, curtains and the word CHAOS written bottom right.

Installation views of Untitled (Crime Scene), unknown photographer (c. 1950) © Kate Elliott

Gallery room with small framed black and white photograph and a dog-legged bench in front. Framed black and white photograph on a wall. Person seated on a bench in front of a framed black and white photograph.