Propaganda: Photographs from Soviet Archives by Mark Holborn

A new book which I bought recently collects various images from the former Soviet Union. The images span from the early sixties to the mid eighties.
Many of the photographs are without credit – this is because many lay unpublished for years due to strict Soviet political policies dictating freedom of expression and art.
The scope of the photographs is amazing, both in scale and subjects covered. There is a section showing the landscapes which are in the farthest corners of Eurasia. The hills and the valleys stretch on for miles.

There is also a heavy emphasis on the working man and industry. Technology was a massive tool shown in propaganda during the times of the USSR. The images show a nuclear power station been constructed amongst other things. As well as displaying to the world their might, it also showcased their intellect as a people – the fact that they could develop this technology.


The dress and attire in the book is utilitarian. Lots of shots of women at work in a factory, all wearing the same plain gown. Many of the men photographed are wearing boiler suits as they are working. This apparel is very common for communist nations – as it spreads the feeling of conformity and socialism, with everyone looking the same no one has reason to be jealous of the next man.



I’ve found this book to be very inspiring – both obviously the clothing, but also many of the buildings. The buildings are all massive in scale, with a heightened sense of grandeur. And the various structures photographed, such as electrical towers or oil pipe lines, all have shapes which can be reflected into clothing.