Peter Bock-Schroeder (1913-2001)

Peter Bock-Schroeder (1913-2001) was the first West German photojournalist to document the post-war Soviet Union in 1956.

He was deeply impressed by the richness of Soviet culture and the genuine warmth and hospitality of its people.

Peter Bock-Schroeder experienced a profound sense of admiration for the Soviet people.

His photography is characterized by a direct, factual style, with a strong emphasis on visual storytelling.

Peter Bock-Schroeder was a significant figure in 20th-century photojournalism, known for his ability to capture compelling visual narratives and provide insights into diverse cultures and historical moments.

In 1956, he traveled across Moscow, Leningrad, Kiev, Baku, Tashkent, Tbilisi, and Tallinn, capturing images that revealed Soviet daily life beyond official state propaganda.

His photographs include religious processions, the Bolshoi Theater, oil fields in Baku, and military parades, all reflecting the political and cultural landscape of the time.

Working under constant surveillance by Soviet authorities, Bock-Schroeder faced severe restrictions.

Censorship dictated what could be photographed, often leading to disputes over what images would be allowed.

Officials insisted on showing only idealized portrayals of Soviet society, such as staged Moscow apartments or choreographed public scenes.

Despite these obstacles, Bock-Schroeder managed to capture authentic moments by using his Rolleiflex twin-lens camera discreetly.

In order to preserve his work, he concealed the undeveloped rolls of film by sewing them into his trench coat before leaving for West Germany.

For decades, Bock-Schroeder’s Soviet series remained unpublished in their full context.

Now, a fine art photography volume, The Soviets, is set for a limited release in Autumn 2025.

This collection of 90 photographs presents his work in a structured sequence, providing a deep and factual account of his journey.