I first met Wolf Suschitzky almost 25 years ago. I was drawn to his images of London, my birthplace, which were so beautifully composed and atmospheric. Initially the attraction was one of nostalgia for someone who lived in exile in California.
But the more time I spent with him the more I got to appreciate his innate humanity and intelligence. I did then and still believe, that he is one of the most underrated talents of 20th Century European Photography. His subtlety of observation is on a par with Kertesz.
He possessed old world manners and humility and was the least self-promoting photographer along with Cartier-Bresson that I have ever met.His flat in Little Venice, in London, was always my first port of call after landing at Heathrow airport.
I know that sharing a strong cup of Viennese coffee with him and listening to his stories and opinions would stimulate my trips.I have never met anyone so full of life and so positive. His energy and curiosity were so infectious. There is a reason he lived to be 104 years old.Thank you Wolf for your friendship and inspiration. Your images will always remain part of my being.
Peter Fetterman
October 11th 2016, Santa Monica, California.
Peter Fetterman, an art dealer in Santa Monica, California, has represented Wolf Suschitzky for more than 25 years. His Gallery has one of the largest inventories of Classic 20th Century Photography.
