Photographenatelier Gebr. Dransfeld; Carl Dransfeld; Wilhelmshaven City Hall; silver gelatin paper; black and white positive process; image size: height: 22.30 cm; width: 16.90 cm; stamp: FOTO-HAUS-DRANSFELD; OHLSDORFERSTR. 2; WINTERHUDER MARKET PLACE; architectural photography; city hall; facade ;house; building; architecture; The photo studio Gebr. Dransfeld was founded in 1902 by the trained lithographer Carl Dransfeld and his brother; the painter Adolf Dransfeld; in Berlin and moved to Hamburg in 1904. Building director Fritz Schumacher commissioned the Dransfeld brothers to document the public buildings he had constructed since 1909. This prestigious commission established the Dransfeld brothers as leading architectural photographers in 1920s Hamburg. Among the architects for whom the studio worked were Fritz H鰃er; Martin Elsaesser; Distel & Grubitz or the Gerson brothers. With their photograph of the Chile House designed by H鰃er; Carl and Adolf Dransfeld created an icon of architectural photography. By creating a strong view from below and using a wide-angle lens; they reinforced the expressionist character of the building's top; thus contributing significantly to the popularity of modern Hamburg brick architecture. The Dransfeld brothers also captured the town hall in Wilhelmshaven; also built in 1928/1929 according to plans by H鰃er. In addition to photographs of the entire complex; the view of the portal flanked by stylized lions was a memorable detailed study that emphasizes the building's strongly rhythmic design principles. (Sven Schumacher)