The portfolio embossing press

Our latest archive find is a beautifully shaped embossing pliers, with which the letters "HL" can be pressed into paper. This article explains what the initials mean and how the hammer-finish coated tool ended up in our archive.

The first question is easy to answer: These are the initials of Herbert List, considered one of the most pioneering photographers of the 20th century. His oeuvre ranges from mysterious still lifes to Mediterranean street scenes and photographs of ancient Greek architecture.

But how did the embossing pliers end up in our archive? In 1980, five years after Herbert List's death, his friend and student Max Scheler approached F.C. Gundlach's PPS. Galerie with the idea of publishing a portfolio of List's works. The portfolio, titled "Zeitlupe Null" (Slow Motion Zero), contains ten surrealistically-themed motifs printed on silver gelatin paper in 40 × 30 cm format. The provenance and authenticity of the prints are attested by a stamp from the Herbert List Estate, Max Scheler's signature, and the embossed monogram.