Jakob Tuggener (1904–1988) left an oeuvre which is both outstanding and unique in the history of photography. With an unwavering artistic persuasion, an ever-hungry eye and great talent Tuggener concentrated on three major themes: work in the factory, life in the countryside and the glamourous balls in grand hotels. The core of his work consists of over 60 thematic book maquettes, each containing hundreds of original photographs. Although Edward Steichen included Tuggener’s works in his seminal exhibition “The Family of Man”, Tuggener failed to receive international recognition in his lifetime. Presented here with a commentary for the first time, Tuggener’s work shows that he can easily be included among great photographers of the 20th century such as Brassaï, Bill Brandt or Robert Frank. Tuggener’s work is a magnificent photographic treasure which, finally dug up, can now be marveled at.

With texts by Martin Gasser and a foreword by Guido Magnaguagno.