Erik Olssen

Working Lives c. 1900: A Photographic Essay Erik Olssen

For the men and women of the skilled trades in early 20th century, the aptitude and knowledge of their respective crafts were a source of identity and pride. Together with the so-called unskilled, who helped build the infrastructure, these workers laid the cultural and social foundations of a new and fairer society. This book uses photographs to document the two processes that were fundamental to creating a new society in New Zealand: the transformation of swamp into farmland then cityscape, and the transplanting of knowledge and skills acquired in the 'Old World' that were essential to building the country. The book places the spotlight on day-to-day working-class life, with many extraordinary historical photos that have never been published before now.