Castle exhibition of 1940s Norwich factory worker photos

These moments of dedication by factories and their workers were captured by German-born husband and wife Walter and Rita Nurnberg.

Rita’s skilful composition brought Walter’s compositions to life as they worked in the Fine City between 1948 and 1961.

Photographs by Walter and Rita Nurnberg capturing post-war working life in three Norwich factories are to go on display at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery – stitching shoe linings, 1948 (Image: Norfolk Museums Service)

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They had moved to London in 1933 with Walter working in advertising and journalism before finding his love for photography, which he would explore fully after serving in the British Army during the war.

Over 130 of these insightful images will go on display at Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery for the first time in 70 years.

The exhibition is curated by Dr Nick Warr, lecturer in art history and curation at the University of East Anglia, and Dr Simon Dell, associate professor of art history at the UEA.

They have described the dramatic images by the Nurnbergs as “distinctive for their vivid and empathetic portrayal of Norwich factory workers”.

This is credited to Walter using a Rolliflex 6cm x 6cm twin-lens camera and tungsten lighting.

Photographs by Walter and Rita Nurnberg capturing post-war working life in three Norwich factories are to go on display at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery – Drilling pilot holes, 1947-48 (Image: Norfolk Museums Service)

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The 130 photographic prints represent three key Norwich works: shoe-making at Edwards & Holmes’ Esdelle Works, steel construction and woodwork at Boulton & Paul’s Riverside Works and sweet-making at Caley-Mackintosh’s Chapelfield Works.

The exhibition will be hosted in the castle’s art gallery from Saturday, October 21, 2023 to Sunday, April 14 2024.

Photographs by Walter and Rita Nurnberg capturing post-war working life in three Norwich factories are to go on display at Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery – structural engineering shop, 1947-48 (Image: Norfolk Museums Service)

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Margaret Dewsbury, Norfolk County Council’s cabinet member for communities, said: “Norwich is more associated with its medieval heritage, but this exhibition is a powerful reminder that industry has always been a vitally important part of city life.

“The result is a moving exhibition which will enable visitors to rediscover a remarkable photographic legacy.”

The photos will be displayed alongside objects from the castle’s own collection and newly digitised archived film relating to the city’s industrial past.