The Engineer and Photography

The Swiss Camera Museum marks the centenary of Gustave Eiffel’s death with a first-time presentation of photographs, captured by the world-famous engineer in the Swiss town of Vevey.

Gustave Eiffel (1832–1923) went down in history for designing the 330-metre-high tower that bears his name. From 1892 onwards, the engineer regularly spent his summers in a villa he had purchased in Vevey. Surrounded by his family, he pursued his passion for photography – producing, amongst others, stunning autochromes, the first industrial colour process available to photographers.

As a scientist driven by technological progress, Eiffel took up photography in the 1880s, at a time when the medium was evolving at a rapid pace. He subsequently used it for his personal and professional communication, his experiments, as well as to document his travels and family life.

‘Gustave Eiffel and Photography’ is on view at the Swiss Camera Museum until April 28, 2024.