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DPC posted in the group Daily Photo Digest
Charles C. Ebbets. Lunch atop a Skyscraper, New York City, 1932
Photo Credit: WikipediaLunch atop a Skyscraper is an iconic black-and-white photograph taken on September 20, 1932. It shows eleven ironworkers seated on a steel beam, 260 meters above ground level, during the construction of the RCA Building, now known as 30 Rockefeller Plaza. Although the photo is often misattributed to Lewis Hine, recent evidence suggests Charles C. Ebbets may have been the photographer. Ebbets was known for capturing the construction of significant American structures, making it likely that he was behind this iconic shot.
These men, immigrant ironworkers, were no strangers to heights, as evidenced by their casual demeanour while having lunch on the beam. Captured as part of a publicity campaign for the then-under-construction Rockefeller Center, the image also features other playful activities, such as workers throwing a football and pretending to sleep.
The photograph stands as a testament to the audacity and bravery of the people involved in building America’s iconic structures at a time when safety regulations were less stringent. Charles C. Ebbets’ body of work, in turn, serves as an invaluable archive of this bold period in American history.
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#CharlesCEbbets #PhotoDigest #BlackandWhitePhotography #HistoricalPhotography
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In this photo, Charles C. Ebbets stands high above New York City with a bulky camera in hand. He looks cool and confident, even in a situation that would make most of us dizzy. He’s known for taking risks to get the perfect shot, and this picture shows that spirit perfectly.
How far would you go to get the photo you want?