Persil und Petticoat. Köln von 1949 bis 1959

Fred Jaeger (1918-1999) lived and worked as a freelance photo reporter in Cologne. Especially in the 1950s, he photographed social events and significant occurrences in his hometown. He documented film premieres and the Catholic Day, fashion shows and sporting events, captured numerous celebrities, and recorded the hustle and bustle of the streets. He immortalized wonderful scenes during Carnival as well as the atmosphere in cellar bars. From a helicopter, he achieved spectacular views of the Cathedral. Eva Neubert and Britta Schmitz reviewed the photographer's archive, which includes around 85,000 negatives, vintage prints, and contact sheets, for this photo book. Their selection offers delightful insights into the everyday life, mood, and spirit of the era: unleashed festivities and lively balls, chic fashion and polished cars, film enthusiasm and consumer interest. The images tell of the revived zest for life of the people of Cologne and their longing for variety: A decade of Cologne comes to life.