Jurgen Schadeberg

(1931 – 2020)

Born in Berlin in 1931, Jurgen Schadeberg was a principle figure in South African and World Photography.

His major body of work spanned over 70 years and incorporated a collection of some 200,000 negatives which captured a wealth of timeless and iconic images.

In the 1950s, he was one of the few white photographers who documented black life in South Africa, capturing on film the vibrancy of township life and culture. In later life, and in partnership with his wife Claudia, Schadeberg continued to work on major photographic projects, books and exhibitions, and to make his own silver archival handprints.

Nelson Mandela and Ruth First – signed

Nelson Mandela and Ruth First

Nelson Mandela in his Law Office, Johannesburg 1952

Nelson Mandela Revisits his Cell on Robben Island 1994

Treason Trial, Johannesburg 1958

The Three Jazzolomos, Johannesburg 1953

Nelson Mandela’s re-visit to Robben Island 1993

Dr Moroka, Nelson Mandela, Yusuf Dadoo during the defiance campaign trial 1952.

Nelson Mandela in his cell on Robben Island 1994

Nelson Mandela in his cell on Robben Island 1993

Mandela’s Cell on Robben Island 1993

Nelson Mandela Smiling, revisit to Robben Island