The Fred Boissonnas photographic collection (1858-1946) constitutes the Greek part of the photographic archive belonging to the esteemed Swiss photographer. He is responsible for the first extensive photographic coverage of Greece for three decades and the first methodical testimony of the Greek landscape, apart from the archaeological sites. Together with the landscape, Boissonnas also occupied himself with the traditions and customs of the era.

His work was a significant influence on post-war Greek photography, opening new paths for expression and thematic choices. The collection presents a great interest, both historically, socially, aesthetically and ideologically, as well as in terms of folk culture, in combination with the political developments of the time.

The Swiss Fred Boissonnas is the systematic photographer of the Greek cultural and natural landscape, the “Greek” photographer of the early 20th century. His work, the artistic and substantial value of which marked the history of photography, constitutes the best possible advertisement of the people, the nature and the monument of Greece during that era.

The photographic collection includes:

• 3.467 glass plates
• 1.079 gelatins
• 11.732 print outs
• 241 transparencies
• 142 sun engravings
• 139 photo engravings
• 375 books
• Letters by Eleftherios Venizelos
• Copy of the contract signed with the Greek Government (27.3.1919)
• Detailed diary of the photo shootings
• Correspondence of the photographer with his family

The Fred Boissonnas collection belongs to the Hellenic Culture Organization and it is located, based on a relevant agreement, at the Photography Museum of Thessaloniki.