Caption
Forty-nine year old Yousuf Karsh, who came to Canada from Armenia 35 years ago, stands today as one of the master portrait photographers of the world. He first achieved international recognition with his pictures of World War II leaders which form part of his collection of notables in "Faces of Destiny". Far from standing in awe of his subjects, Karsh is usually able to calm the more irascible with his own persuasiveness. Said Churchill after he had grudgingly allotted him a few moments for his portrait: "he can make a roaring lion stand still". Czechoslovakia's revered President Benes described him as "a formidable fellow, the only dictator I ever listened to."
Release Date
May 27, 1958
Materials
Typescript with illustrations
Collection
CMCP fonds
Credit Line
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography fonds, National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives
Caption
Karsh began his career at the age of 15 apprenticed to an uncle in Sherbrooke, Que., later made Ottawa his headquarters. It was here he met his wife, Solange, whose keen interest in gardening helps fill the hours when Karsh is away on one of his frequent photographic tours.
Date
November 1, 1957
Accession Number
LAC-NFB84197
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176707
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
Karsh, whose favourite form of exercise is a fast game of tennis, enjoys a quiet evening with his wife in their modern pink stucco home on Ottawa's tranquil Rideau river. A film recently produced in Canada highlights Karsh's photographic techniques and presents a galaxy of his most memorable portraits.
Date
November 1, 1957
Accession Number
LAC-NFB84198
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176708
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
Karsh spends a morning in his Ottawa office with his secretary who reads his mail aloud to him. Years ago, when he was debating where to set up shop, Karsh chose Canada's capital, predicting it would become an important crossroads of the world; later as the world's great gathered here "Karsh of Ottawa" photographed them.
Date
November 1, 1957
Accession Number
LAC-NFB84200
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176709
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Caption
Although his volume of work has steadily increased as his name spread round the globe, Karsh still finds time to keep a close check on the important processing steps in darkroom and laboratory. Many professionals say they can spot a Karsh photograph by the quality of the print alone.
Date
November 1, 1957
Accession Number
LAC-NFB84201
Materials
Black and white negative
Photographer
Enumber
e011176710
Collection
National Film Board of Canada
Credit Line
Library and Archives Canada, Mikan no. 205928
Photostory #159: Portrait of Karsh: Close-Up of a Celebrated Canadian
Photographers
,
Maker
National Film Board of Canada
Release Date
May 27, 1958
Collection
CMCP fonds
Credit Line
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography fonds, National Gallery of Canada Library and Archives
Main Text
Forty-nine year old Yousuf Karsh, who came to Canada from Armenia 35 years ago, stands today as one of the master portrait photographers of the world. He first achieved international recognition with his pictures of World War II leaders which form part of his collection of notables in "Faces of Destiny". Far from standing in awe of his subjects, Karsh is usually able to calm the more irascible with his own persuasiveness. Said Churchill after he had grudgingly allotted him a few moments for his portrait: "he can make a roaring lion stand still". Czechoslovakia's revered President Benes described him as "a formidable fellow, the only dictator I ever listened to."
Subjects:
