PASSAU.- The Museum of Modern Art Wörlen, in collaboration with the lending agency Atelier & Friends from Grafenau, presents a groundbreaking exhibition that brings to light a previously concealed collection of significant national importance. The exhibition showcases rare photographs of film stars from the 1950s and 1960s, drawn from the extensive archive of Herbert Fried (Berlin, 1926 – Rome, 1981), a set photographer whose legacy has long been overshadowed.

Herbert Fried, who adopted America as his home after World War II, spent considerable time in Rome, then the epicenter of the global film industry. Commissioned by international agencies, Fried captured some of the era's most luminous stars, including Romy Schneider, Alain Delon, Elke Sommer, Brigitte Bardot, Gina Lollobrigida, Audrey Hepburn, Yul Brynner, and Terence Hill. His work spans both the bustling sets of Cinecittà and intimate private settings, revealing a unique camaraderie between the photographer and his subjects. A striking example is a series of photographs depicting Alain Delon and Romy Schneider during a private restaurant visit in Rome, where a third plate on the table hints at a shared meal, illustrating the deep rapport Fried established with his subjects.

Dr. Marion Bornscheuer, Director of MMK, emphasizes the multifaceted nature of Fried's work: “Herbert Fried’s extensive photographic oeuvre presents the stars from various angles – from powerful portraits and dynamic on-set action shots to relaxed and lively moments in their private lives. The images capture not just the glamour of the film industry but also the personal connections he forged with these icons.”

The Passau exhibition not only highlights Fried’s artistic contributions but also reconstructs his dynamic biography through archival materials, offering a comprehensive view of his life and work. The journey of these photographs to the Bavarian Forest was serendipitous. Initially bequeathed to Klaus Hoins of Hannover by Fried, the collection was passed to Margarethe Eder, a photography enthusiast, who eventually entrusted the disorganized archives to Atelier & Friends fifteen years ago. The agency meticulously cataloged the material, both physically and digitally, and began sharing select images online. The discovery of additional thousands of photographs by BRAVO-Verlag, generously donated to Atelier & Friends, significantly expanded the collection.

Markus Sieghart, Project Leader and Designer at Atelier & Friends, expresses his passion for the project: “As dedicated designers, we are deeply attuned to art and aesthetics. The extraordinary quality of Fried’s photographs immediately captivated us. Partnering with the Museum of Modern Art Wörlen, we aimed to make this invaluable photo archive accessible to the public through this exhibition.”

The exhibition is further enriched by the contributions of Lutz Peter from Hannover, who has generously loaned one of the few remaining copies of Herbert Fried’s autobiography and original photographic equipment, offering visitors an intimate glimpse into the life and tools of the acclaimed photographer.

This exhibition stands as a testament to Herbert Fried’s enduring legacy and provides a rare opportunity to witness the golden age of cinema through the lens of a master photographer. Art enthusiasts and film aficionados alike are invited to explore this captivating collection, celebrating the timeless allure of classic Hollywood and European cinema.