The history of the photobooth dates back to 1925 when Anatol Josepho, a Russian immigrant, invented the first automated photobooth in New York City. His creation revolutionised photography, offering people an affordable & accessible way to capture their own portraits in just minutes. Photobooth’s also played a significant role culturally, as they provided one of the earliest ways for interracial & LGBT couples to take photos together in a private & safe space.
Our collection of vintage photobooth’s, dating from the 1960s to the late 1980s, has a fascinating legacy. These photobooth’s were originally produced by the “Photo-Me” company in England & made their way to Australia over four decades ago. Throughout their long life, they have been a part of many iconic moments, including capturing passport photos & appearing at renowned locations.
Our photobooth, which was featured in the Andy Warhol exhibition at the Art Gallery of South Australia in 2023 & later at the Adelaide Arcade, has a storied past. According to photobooth.net, it once operated at the “Cargo Bar & Lounge” in Sydney, among other venues throughout the late 80s – early 2000s.
Adelaide Archive:
Sydney Archive:
For more on the global history of analog photobooth’s, including photobooth locations, appearances in movies, television & art projects, visit photobooth.net