Paul Laib

RA Collection: People and Organisations

Photographer. 1869-1958. Born in Hamburg. Became a British subject in 1899. Specialising in Fine Art Photography. Dates regarding his studios vary, Pritchard lists Paul Laib as having an address at 8 Haverstock Hill N.W. in 1898 and at 50 Clareville Grove S.W. from 1899 - 1900. PhotoLondon record Laib at Haverstock Hill from 1896-1897, Clareville Grove from 1898-1899 and at Thistle Grove Lane from 1888-1971. Laib's son, Eric took over the business from his father which, according the to the Courtauld, was known as 'The Art Reproduction Company'.

Laib was a member of the Royal Photographic Society from 1913.

The National Portrait Gallery holds a copy of his last record book which lists works photographed and includes negative numbers and, according to PhotoLondon, a portrait of Laib by Philip de Laslo. In 1974, Philip de Laslo's son, Patrick presented the Courtauld Institute with Laib's negatives, providing a visual record of artists working in the early 20th century and documenting the work of a photographer specialising in the Fine Arts.