The Story Behind "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper": Staged Iconic Moment in Photography History
"Lunch Atop a Skyscraper" is an iconic photograph that has captured the imagination of people around the world for nearly a century. Depicting 11 construction workers casually enjoying their lunch break on a steel beam 850 feet above the streets of New York, the image has become a symbol of the city's resilience and determination. However, many people are unaware that this seemingly candid moment was, in fact, staged for publicity purposes. In this blog post, we'll delve into the story behind this famous photograph and its enduring appeal to both practicing photographers and photography enthusiasts alike.
The Staging of an Iconic Moment:"Lunch Atop a Skyscraper" first appeared in the New York Herald Tribune in 1932, capturing the attention of readers with its stunning depiction of the men who helped build the Rockefeller Center. Despite its seemingly spontaneous nature, the photo was actually taken for publicity purposes, with the workers posed in a carefully orchestrated scene.
The Mystery of the Photographers and Workers: Adding to the intrigue surrounding this photograph is the fact that the identities of both the photographers and the workers remain unknown to this day. Photographers Charles Ebbets, Thomas Kelley, and William Leftwich were all present on the day the image was taken, but it remains unclear who was responsible for capturing the iconic shot. Similarly, the names and stories of the 11 workers featured in the photograph remain a mystery.
Preserving the Iconic Image: "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper" is currently stored in a massive underground vault just outside of Pittsburgh in Butler County, Pennsylvania. This secure location ensures the preservation of this treasured piece of photography history for future generations to enjoy and study.
For readers interested in learning more about the world of photography and the stories behind other iconic images, consider the following book:
"The Great LIFE Photographers" by LIFE Magazine and John Loengard – This comprehensive collection of photographs from some of the most renowned photographers in history offers insight into the creative processes and stories behind many famous images.
The story of "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper" serves as a reminder that even staged photographs can become iconic and deeply resonant. The image's continued popularity and fascination for practicing photographers demonstrate the power of a well-crafted and visually captivating photograph. By exploring the stories behind famous images like "Lunch Atop a Skyscraper," we can gain a deeper appreciation for the art of photography and the impact it has on our understanding of the world and the people who shape it.
You can also watch this YouTube video to find out more.
