Cameraless Photography

One of two launch volumes in an important and highly collectible new photography series by the V&A, here is an introduction to the history of cameraless photography in over 125 key images from the V&A’s outstanding collection. Visually compelling, Cameraless Photography is an outstanding introductory overview of the major creative, cameraless processes running throughout the history of photography – including photograms, chemigrams, luminograms, dye destruction prints and more – illustrated by the cameraless work of some of photography’s greatest names. More than 125 photographs are supported by extended commentaries and a concise introduction. The book begins with the early photographic experiments of artists such as Anna Atkins in the 19th century through the avant-garde photograms of modernists such as Man Ray, to the work of contemporary artists, such as Susan Derges, nearly two centuries later.

Martin Barnes is Senior Curator of Photographs at the Victoria and Albert Museum.