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Black and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century

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Originally called the Freelance Photographers Guild, FPG International was established in 1936 by newspaper editor Arthur Brackman of New York. The agency helped photographers land jobs with up-and-coming picture magazines like "Life" by specialising in creating photo-essay content for magazines.FPG developed into a generic stock-photo business over time.

This collection of over 900 black and white FPG images covers a wide variety of topics and eras, mostly from the 1920s to the 1960s. Portraits, fashion, daily life, architecture, and cultural events are just a few of the facets of life that are captured in the images.

953 Items

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Farrier At Work

Farrier At Work
A farrier attending to a horses hoof, circa 1930. (Photo by Keystone View Company/FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: McAlpin Hotel

McAlpin Hotel
The Herald Square area of Manhattan, including the McAlpin Hotel located at the corner of Broadway and 34th Street, bustles with activity in this print, New York, New York, circa 1914

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Group of young women wearing bathing suits, portrait (B&W sepia)

Group of young women wearing bathing suits, portrait (B&W sepia)
Bathing suits reflect different eras from Victorian to 1930 s. archival image

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: 1959 Ford Thunderbird

1959 Ford Thunderbird
View of a 1959 Ford Thunderbird motor car, its convertible roof in the down position, parked outside on a grassy field, 1959. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Ritz Tower

Ritz Tower
The Ritz Tower, built in 1925, was the tallest skyscraper in the world at the time of its completion, New York, New York, 1930s

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: 1960 Ford Thunderbird

1960 Ford Thunderbird
View of a 1960 Ford Thunderbird motor car parked outisde on the grass, 1960. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Black Friday 1869

Black Friday 1869
Illustration of the scene in the Gold Room of the New York Stock Exchange when the stock market crashed on Black Friday, New York, New York, September 24, 1969. Drawing by C. S

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Boys At A German Summer Camp

Boys At A German Summer Camp
Meal time at the summer health camp for the children of Berlin, Germany circa 1930. Seven hundred attend the camp at one time. (Photo by Henry Miller News Picture Service/FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Art Deco Head Painting

Art Deco Head Painting
A woman spray-painting an art deco bust to be used in a shop display, 1929. (Photo by Keystone View Company/FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Rin Tin Tin

Rin Tin Tin, the German Shepherd dog who featured in film, radio and television productions, circa 1928. This portrait was released as publicity for the film, Land of the Silver Fox

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: East Midtown Skyline

East Midtown Skyline
Aerial view from the East River looking west of the East Midtown Manhattan skyline, New York, New York, 1950s or 1960s

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Lighting Up After A Tennis Match

Lighting Up After A Tennis Match
Two women lighting cigarettes on a tennis court in Essex, England circa 1930 s. (Photo by Keystone View/FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Times Square In The Rain

Times Square In The Rain
High-angle view looking north of rainy Times Square from the top of the Times Tower (now One Times Square) at the intersection of Broadway and Seventh Avenue at 42nd Street, New York, New York

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Group of young men exercising outdoors with weights (B&W)

Group of young men exercising outdoors with weights (B&W)
archival image

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Coney Island Boys

Coney Island Boys
Boys playing on the boardwalk at Coney Island, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: The Tilden Mansion

The Tilden Mansion
Exterior view of the Tilden Mansion at 14 and 15 Gramercy Park, originally built in the 1840s but massively renovated in 1870, New York, New York, early 1900s

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Man holding tiny violin, close up of hands

Man holding tiny violin, close up of hands

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Front Crawl

Front Crawl
A woman in a black bikini thrashes her way across a swimming pool, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Happy New Year

Happy New Year
Partygoers celebrate the arrival of the New Year amidst a shower of streamers, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Spanish Gypsies

Spanish Gypsies
Gypsy women from the south of Spain, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Spanish Greengrocer

Spanish Greengrocer
The proprietor of a fruit and vegetable shop in Madrid, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Only Lovely Eyes

Only Lovely Eyes
Contestants in the Miss Lovely Eyes beauty pageant in Florida wearing masks to obscure the rest of their faces, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Sorry State

Sorry State
An injured couple with their dog, circa 1930. The mans head is heavily bandaged, while the woman has a badly bruised face. They are both wearing bloodstained clothing

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Shepherdess On Stage

Shepherdess On Stage
Four dancers wearing frilly outfits and carrying shepherds crooks during a performance, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Hosiery Factory

Hosiery Factory
Female workers at a silk hosiery factory inspecting and mending hosiery, circa 1930. (Photo by Keystone/FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Williamsburgh Saving Bank Building

Williamsburgh Saving Bank Building
View from a rooftop of the Williamsburgh Savings Bank building (Halsey, McCormack, and Helmer, 1929) in downtown Brooklyn, early 1930s

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Davis Inhalator

Davis Inhalator
Firemen using a Davis Inhalator with a double breathing bag for two victims, in the Holland Tunnel, New York, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Synchronised Swimming

Synchronised Swimming
A synchronised swimming display team at the Red Cross Aquatic School at the Ten Mile River camp in New York circa 1930 s. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Bathing Suit Fashions

Bathing Suit Fashions
Two women kick one leg in the air as they show off Chinese bathing costumes circa 1930. (Photo by Henry Miller News Picture Service/FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Sorting At Mount Peasant

Sorting At Mount Peasant
Postal workers sorting mail for overseas destinations in the run-up to Christmas at the GPO (General Post Office) main sorting office at Mount Pleasant, London, 28th November 1929

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: No Fun

No Fun
circa 1930: A group of nuns walk round in a circle in an enclosed yard whose building has barred windows giving an impression of convicts in a prison yard

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Inquiring Microphone

Inquiring Microphone
A crowd of people queuing for the Inquiring Microphone show on radio station WINN in New York, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Lazy Dove

Lazy Dove
A small boy on a scooter and with a dove perched on his hat, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Seaside Fun

Seaside Fun
A small boy enjoys pouring a bucket of seawater over his friend during a day at the seaside, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: PE Class

PE Class
A group of schoogirls attend a gym class, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Children Washing Clothes

Children Washing Clothes
Boy and girl washing clothes, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Monkey Bars

Monkey Bars
A group of boys hang from a playground climbing frame, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Slippery When Wet

Slippery When Wet
Five women line up on a water slide, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Bit Of A Lad

Bit Of A Lad
A young man runs a comb through his thinning hair, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Evening Elegance

Evening Elegance
A woman in a long evening gown with puffball sleeves, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Wheat Harvest

Wheat Harvest
Men harvesting wheat, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: American Beauty

American Beauty
Four American beauty contestants on the deck of a ship, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Sick As A Dog

Sick As A Dog
A vet examines a bulldog at the Royal Veterinary College in London, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Home Help

Home Help
A boxer helps his wife with the washing up, circa 1928. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: London Fishmongers Establishment

London Fishmongers Establishment
Several men organize crates and mill about at a fishmongers shop on the Thames just below the Financial District, London, 1930s. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Granada Street

Granada Street
A street in Granada, with several bridges crossing the River Darro, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Romeria de Valme

Romeria de Valme
The people of Dos Hermanas near Seville pay homage to their patron saint, La Virgen de Valme, with a procession known as the Romeria de Nuestra Senora de Valme, circa 1930

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Burgos Market

Burgos Market
A fruit and vegetable stall in Burgos market, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Barcelona Quay

Barcelona Quay
The Muralla Quay in Barcelona, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Japanese Pilgrims

Japanese Pilgrims
Two pilgrims in Japan, one carrying a portable altar, the other a small gong, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Japanese Housewife

Japanese Housewife
A Japanese housewife cuts up radishes in her kitchen, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Mountain Family

Mountain Family
A typical family outside their straw hut in the mountains of Japan, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Bayreuth Audience

Bayreuth Audience
The audience takes the air between acts of a Wagner opera at the Bayreuth Festspielhaus, Bavaria, circa 1930. (Photo by Henry Miller/FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Horse Ambulance

Horse Ambulance
An ambulance for horses run by the ASPCA (American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals), circa 1928. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Off To Palestine

Off To Palestine
A police officer leaves Victoria Station in London, bound for Palestine, 11th September 1929. A hundred officers have been send to augment the countrys existing police force

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Mending Socks

Mending Socks
Two women darn the childrens socks at a Dr Barnardos home for orphans in Essex, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Pay Cuts

Pay Cuts
Children take part in a demonstration in New Jersey, protesting against a 10% wage cut, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Easter Tradition

Easter Tradition
A woman in Spreewald with her godchildren and loaves of bread (ostersemme) traditionally given on Easter Sunday, circa 1930. The loaves are shaped to represent palm leaves

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Helpful Policeman

Helpful Policeman
A policeman helps a group of children across the street, New York, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Sheep At Dusk

Sheep At Dusk
A shepherd collects his flock together at twilight in Livingston, Montana, circa 1939. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Terzigno Evacuated

Terzigno Evacuated
The inhabitants of the village of Terzigno, east of Naples, are evacuated as a flow of volcanic lava (in background) from Mount Vesuvius approaches the village, 3rd June 1929

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: In Support Of Teachers

In Support Of Teachers
A young man demonstrates against the low wages of teachers in New York, circa 1930. A teacher earns 17.78 dollars per week, whilst their former pupil earns 21 dollars per week

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Pas De Deux

Pas De Deux
Two dancers in performance, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Lippy Lady

Lippy Lady
A young woman applies her lipstick in the mirror, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Construction Workers

Construction Workers
Construction workers assembling the steel frame of a building, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Dog Food

Dog Food
A market trader in Sumatra, Indonesia, with two puppies to be sold for their meat, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Dairy Show Practice

Dairy Show Practice
Dairy workers practise their butter-making before a dairy show at the Agricultural Hall, London, circa 1930. (Photo by Keystone/FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Stretch Rehearsal

Stretch Rehearsal
A line of dancers practise stretching with their teacher at a dance studio, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Under Pressure To Deliver

Under Pressure To Deliver
Three men in suits demanding something from a fourth who is protesting he does not have it, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Chinese Fashion

Chinese Fashion
A young Chinese woman, circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Lieutenants

Lieutenants
(L-R) Lieutenants Muller, Carberry and Willis pose beside an airplane circa 1930. (Photo By Paul Thompson/FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Underwater Camera

Underwater Camera
Two men testing an underwater camera circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Silent Violin

Silent Violin
A man plays a Silent Violin which can only be heard by the person playing it which is a result of experiments by a German inventor circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: German Bicycle Troops

German Bicycle Troops
German Army bicycle troops on manoeuvres in Silesia, Germany, 12th October 1928. (Photo by Henry Miller/FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Money Printing

Money Printing
Workers examining the new small size currency in the Bureau of engraving and printing in Washington DC, USA, 25th June 1929. (Photo by Henry Miller/FPG/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Messy Eater

Messy Eater
A boy messily eating a pie, so that some of its contents have found their way onto his face, circa 1930. (Photo by Paul Thompson/FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Chorus Line

Chorus Line
A chorus line of showgirls in top hats and shorts, circa 1930. (Photo by Keystone View Company/FPG/Archive Photos/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Playing Cards

Playing Cards
A group of men playing cards circa 1930 s. (Photo by Keystone View/FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Drinking Lemonade

Drinking Lemonade
A child drinking lemonade while sitting on a bench circa 1930. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Dancing In The Park

Dancing In The Park
Dancers from a professional school practice outside in a park in Brussels, Belgium in 1929. (Photo by Henry Miller News Picture Service/FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Reading The Instructions

Reading The Instructions
A man scratching his head as he reads the instruction manual to his new car circa 1930 s. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Cycle Training

Cycle Training
A track cyclist training behind a pace motorcycle circa 1930. (Photo by Paul Thompson/FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Shooting Practice

Shooting Practice
The womens rifle team of Drexel University in field practice in the 1930 s. The young ladies are taught to shoot in all posisitions. (Photo by Henry Miller News Picture Service/FPG/Getty Images)

Background imageBlack and White Images Capturing the Essence of Mid-20th Century: Walking On Water

Walking On Water
A man, with two small boats on his feet, walks on water in Potsdam, Germany in the 1930 s. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)



These images provide a valuable visual record of society and culture during a period of significant change and progress.

The collection reflects FPG's role in documenting and distributing photographic content that shaped the visual narrative of the mid-20th century.

All products are expertly crafted, using premium materials, tailored to your specifications and promptly shipped