Bernd & Hilla Becher: Water Towers

Using a precisely positioned large format view camera and working on overcast days, the Bechers created photographs with the uniform, neutral appearance of architectural renderings or scientific records, transforming their subjects into what they called “anonymous sculpture.”

Black and white photograph of a water tower
Black and white photograph of a water tower amongst residential homes
Black and white photograph of a water tower in a grass field near electrical power lines
Black and white photograph of a water tower in a grass field
Black and white photograph of a water tower near a railroad track and residential homes
Black and white photograph of a water tower in a grass field
Black and white photograph of a circular water tower near railroad tracks
Black and white photograph of a water tower near electrical power lines
A black and white photograph of a large water tower with the word FINDLAY painted on the facade
Black and white photograph of a water tower exterior
Black and white photograph of a water tower amongst railroad tracks
Black and white photograph of a water tower among residential homes with larger city on the horizon
Black and white photograph of a water tower near railroad tracks
Black and white photograph of a water tower made partially of bricks

Related Portfolios

Detail of a black and white photograph of a blast furnace

Bernd & Hilla Becher: Typologies
Black and white photograph of a house facade

Bernd & Hilla Becher: Framework Houses