Theodor Horydczak

This article is currently a draft.

Theodor Horydczak (1889-1971) was a photographer who documented the architecture, culture, and social life of Washington, D.C. in the first half of the 20th century, especially the 1920s-1940s. The bulk of his work resides in the Prints and Photographs division of the Library of Congress. The Library of Congress Horydczak collection consists of a donation by

The photographer's daughter and son-and-law, Norma and Francis Reeves, [who] presented the collection, consisting of more than 32,000 items, including approximately 17,450 black-and-white photographs, 14,000 negatives, and 1,500 color transparencies, to the Library of Congress in 1973.

Horydczak captured the progress of many Washington, D.C. landmarks including: the National Archives, Washington Monument, and Memorial Bridge. In the course of his work, he was engaged to photograph the early days of the Folger Shakespeare Library building, selected collection materials, as well as some personnel.

In January 2017, research was conducted by a Folger staff member to date the photographs taken of the Folger, using Horydczak's log book held at the Library of Congress.

Resources

The resources listed below provide some information about the little-known photographer Theodor Horydczak.

Digitized photonegative collection at Library of Congress

"Searching for Theodor Horydczak, elusive photographic chronicler of Washington" by John Kelly, The Washington Post, 13 September 2013. Accessed 12 January 2017.

"Waverly Rare Books in Falls Church to auction iconic Washington photos by Theodor Horydczak" in Art Daily. Accessed 12 January 2017.