The Protagonists and Observers of Leisure Time

The collection of photographs we have created working with Warsaw’s private collections, the DEXTRA collection, and the collection of the Oslo Teknisk Museum reveals an enchanting story about leisure time.

The exhibition presents various forms of spending leisure time in the twentieth century, as determined by time, place or social environment (‘Mountain resorts’, ‘Season’, ‘Excursions’, ‘Sports’, ‘Tourism’, City Pleasures’, ‘Inner Circle / Amusement’), and therefore in a way classified. At the same time, it tries to highlight the moments of joy and freedom typical regardless of the era or circumstances. In ‘Tongue-in-cheek’ and ‘Time of relaxation’ we find spaces and people familiar from the show’s other sections.

Leisure Pictures

Many, perhaps most, photographs are about pleasure. It has been like that since the camera became public and not only professionals were able to photograph. Leisure is a complex concept and includes all the things people do when they do not work. Leisure is people’s own time and it is what we like to do when we can choose for ourselves. But everything we do in our spare time will not be photographed. Leisure images are largely about holidays, trips to the cabin or traveling abroad, on Sunday walks and outdoor activities, or meetings with friends and family in the evenings.Most of us photograph leisure pictures. It can be as a hobby, or it is a way to preserve memories for posterity. Our albums are full of celebrations, travels and fun with friend and family.