Lot 50: Bert Hardy (British, 1913 – 1995). Korean War Prisoners, Inchon. 1950, Two photographs

Bertt Hardy (British, 1913 – 1995). Korean War Prisoners, Inchon. 1950, Two photographs. The Korean War is almost a “forgotten” one, with many fewer photographs than WWII or Vietnam. A vintage ferrotyped gelatin silver print on single weight paper, 9 ¼ x 7 ¾ inches, has Hardy’s PICTURE POST Credit Stamp and PIX label. A lengthy snipe includes the information that Hardy entered the city on its second liberation. It had been liberated before in the invasion but it was retaken by the North Koreans. It was liberated again three months later. The snipe continues-- “This is what happens to humanity when it is liberated twice within three months. Humanity can stand no more liberations like this.” The man has his arms raised, and women and children in the background have their hands up. The upper left corner of the margin is missing, and the lower right corner is creased.[D4-] A smaller vintage ferrotyped gelatin silver print on single weight paper, 6 ½ x 9 5/8 inches, has a similar snipe with the comment “No one is taking chances.” It shows a group of women and children in the ruins with their hands raised as soldiers pass. Perhaps they are unsure that they are really liberated. Hardy was the major war photographer for the PICTURE POST in WWII and Korea. This has Hardy’s PICTURE POST stamp, a LIFE stamp indicating its publication there, and a PIX label. There are measurements and other notations verso. Slightly soft corners. especially the lower right corner.

6 1/2 x 9 5/8

Gelatin Silver Print

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