Rockefeller Plaza

1930

The book “Atget, photographe de Paris” is published

An early tangible result of her efforts is the 1930 book “Atget, photographe de Paris”, in which she is described as photo editor.

1930s

The idea behind “Changing New York”

Her project is primarily a sociological study embedded within modernist aesthetic practices, meant to show the interaction between the city’s diverse people, the places where they live, work and play, and their daily activities. Lewis Mumford’s historical writings of the early 1930s strongly influence her, and buildings of the “paleotechnic era” often look downright menacing in her photographs.

1933

Begins teaching at the New School for Social Research

From 1933 she supports herself with commercial work and teaching gigs at the New School for Social Research; for six years she works on her New York project independently, unable to get financial support from organizations such as the Museum of the City of New York, foundations such as the Guggenheim Foundation, or individuals.

1934

Museum exhibition brings patrons and a co-author

An exhibition she prepares at the Museum of the City of New York in 1934 helps her find serious patrons (the Federal Art Project begins to fund the project) and a co-author, the art critic Elizabeth McCausland, who becomes a close friend.