Collection of 92 photographs of Berlin post-war movie theaters by Conrad, Willi (photographer)

Berlin, circa 1949-1955. Various sizes, from approximately 4 × 6 inches to 5 × 7 inches. Loose as issued, housed in an archival box. Images curved; a few somewhat faded; else about very good. A unique collection of 92 black and white photographs depicting post-war cinema architecture in West Berlin circa 1949 to 1955. The images show foyers, screening rooms, posters, and exterior views, along with architectural details such as stairways and seating, most lacking any sort of caption or label. Many of the screening locations depicted are small and improvised, including room set up in restaurants; other photos show pre-war theaters that are no longer standing. A number of the theaters are identifiable, and include the Filmbühne am Steinplatz in Charlottenburg, the Metropol at Nollendorfplatz, Schlüter, Olympia, Olivaer Lichtspiele, Regina, KammerLichtspiele, Rheingold, and the Bayreuther Lichtspiele (later the Arsenal). Also included are six color photos showing the interior of the no-longer-extant Gloria-Palast on Ku'damm. All of the photographs in this collection were taken by Willi Conrad, a Berlin native, born in 1907, who was originally trained as a fashion designer and worked in the fashion industry. Conrad earned a side living as a photographer beginning in the 1930's, first photographing shows at Berlin theaters, and later working as a press photographer during the post-war period.