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The history of photography

Peru's pioneering documentary photographer, Magnum Photos and lunch on top of a skyscraper.

Max Pearson presents a collection of the week's Witness History interviews from the 麻豆社 World Service.

The expert guest is Dr Mirjam Brusius, a research fellow in colonial and global history at the German Historical Institute.

First, we hear about Mart铆n Chambi - Peru's pioneering documentary photographer.

Then Amaize Ojeikere talks about his father, JD 'Okhai鈥� Ojeikere, who created an iconic collection revealing the elaborate ways African women styled their hair.

Plus, the story of Magnum Photos 鈥� the picture agency started up by World War Two photographers.

And, Vivian Maier, the nanny who - since her death - has been hailed as one of the best street photographers of the 20th century.

Finally, the mystery behind Lunch Atop a Skyscraper 鈥� the famous photograph showing 11 ironworkers eating lunch nearly 70 storeys high.

Contributors:

Roberto Chambi 鈥� grandson of photographer Mart铆n Chambi
Dr Mirjam Brusius - research fellow in colonial and global history at the German Historical Institute
Amaize Ojeikere 鈥� son of photographer JD 'Okhai鈥� Ojeikere
Christine Roussel 鈥� Rockefeller Center archivist
Jinx Rodger - widow of George Rodger, one of the founders of Magnum Photos
Inge Bondi - Magnum Photos employee

This programme has been updated since the original broadcast.

(Photo: Two books of photographs in the exhibition 'Martin Chambi and his contemporaries鈥�. Credit: Getty Images)

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51 minutes

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