Tadeusz Rolke, a legend of Polish photography, dies at 96

It is with deep sadness that we received the news of the passing of Tadeusz Rolke, an outstanding photographer, witness, participant, and documentarian of contemporary history, who left us on July 14, 2025.

Our deepest condolences are extended to Tadeusz Rolke’s family, loved ones, and all his friends and collaborators during this difficult time.

Tadeusz Rolke, born in 1929, was a native of Warsaw and a participant in the Warsaw Uprising. He faced repression from the communist government and was an artist especially significant to the history of contemporary Polish art. As one of the most eminent photographers and a pioneer of Polish photojournalism and fashion photography, Rolke leaves behind an extensive cultural legacy that has inspired countless artists. Undoubtedly, his authority will continue to inspire future generations of photographers and journalists. A discerning participant, astute observer, and meticulous chronicler of social life and cultural evolution, his rich archives encompass timeless photographs, distinguished by their depth and dynamism, as well as images of invaluable documentary worth. Accompanying the post-war revival of artistic circles, he captured in his frames, among other things, exhibitions at the Crooked Circle Gallery, extraordinarily portraying eminent artists who made significant contributions to the history of contemporary art.

Courtesy of the extraordinary kindness of Tadeusz Rolke and the immense support and generosity of the team at Warsaw’s Le Guern Gallery, we too were able to become a small part of this extraordinary story by recording an interview that we will soon publish. It was a true honor for us.