The Photographers' Gallery in London is celebrating a century of the iconic photo booth with a special archival exhibition titled "Strike a Pose! 100 Years of the Photobooth." The comprehensive show traces the fascinating history of the Photomaton while exploring its intimate charms, distinctive imperfections, and unique characteristics that have captivated people for generations.
The year 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the invention of the analog photo booth by Anatol Josepho. His first Photomaton appeared on Broadway in New York City in 1925, revolutionizing the world of photography and quickly becoming an essential part of daily life in cities around the globe. This innovative machine combined a photography studio and darkroom laboratory in a single location, offering the first affordable access to photography for ordinary people.
The genius of the photo booth lay in its simplicity and accessibility. Without any technical knowledge or need for an operator, anyone could step behind the curtain, insert their money into the slot, and strike a pose. The first photo booth was an immediate sensation, attracting more than 7,500 New Yorkers within just the first five days of operation. This overwhelming success quickly led to worldwide expansion and adoption.
The photo booth phenomenon reached the United Kingdom in 1928 when the first machine was installed at Selfridges department store in London, where it achieved instant success. By the 1950s and 1960s, photo booths had become commonplace fixtures at fairs, shopping centers, and train stations throughout the country. These intimate and inexpensive spaces allowed individuals to maintain complete control over their own images, creating a unique democratic approach to photography.
Behind the privacy of the curtain, whether alone or with friends, the photo booth became a true playground, free from the watchful eye of a professional photographer. These coin-operated booths attracted people from all walks of life, including famous couples like John Lennon and Yoko Ono, as well as John and Jacqueline Kennedy. The renowned artist Andy Warhol famously used photo booth technology to create his celebrated series of self-portraits, elevating the medium to fine art status.
The once-ubiquitous coin-operated booths that lined busy shopping streets and populated train stations began to disappear with the rise of digital photography in the 1990s. However, today these analog booths are experiencing a remarkable renaissance, thanks to dedicated experts who have carefully restored them. The vintage machines are reappearing in cities worldwide and enjoying renewed interest and popularity among contemporary enthusiasts who appreciate their nostalgic charm and unique aesthetic.
The exhibition features an extensive display of archival prints, vintage comic strips, and historical materials that document the photo booth's cultural impact over the decades. Additionally, visitors to the Gallery will have the opportunity to create their own souvenir selfies using an actual photo booth installation. A live broadcast system will also allow guests to observe the unique mechanical workings of these fascinating machines in real-time.
"Strike a Pose! 100 Years of the Photobooth" showcases works from the prestigious collection of Raynal Pellicer and forms part of a year-long program of centenary celebrations organized in partnership with AUTOFOTO. The exhibition runs from October 10, 2025, through February 22, 2026, at The Photographers' Gallery, located at 16-18 Ramillies Street, London W1F 7LW. More information is available at www.tpg.org.uk.
