Artist: John Vachon (American, 1904-1975)
Title: Boys Playing in the Alley
Date: 1940
Accession #: 00.08.26
Medium: Black and white photograph
Dimensions: sheet: 13 7/8 x 10 7/8 in., image: 13 3/8 x 8 7/8 in.
Acquired by: William G. & Barbara Kruse
About the Artist: Vachon had no intention of becoming a photographer when he took the position as a messenger and file clerk for the Farm Security Administration (FSA). However, as his responsibilities increased, his interest in photography grew. By 1937, Vachon had looked at enough of other people’s works and decided to take his own photographs. A weekend warrior armed with a Leica he photographed “everything in the Potomac River Valley.” Stryker loaned him equipment and he received guidance from documentary photographer Walker Evans.