Walter Rudolph (b. 1915, d. 1997) was a German photographer who worked for airline and tour operators Thomson (TUI) and Iberia during the 70’s and 80’s. Tasked to photograph and promote popular holiday destinations for travel brochures and international photo agencies, Rudolph and his wife had a passion for discovering new places and cultures: Hong Kong, Kenya, Portugal, Israel, Italy, London and the Mediterranean. In 1976 his career took him to the Balearic Island of Ibiza,  an emerging destination growing in popularity with European tourists. The hippy movement was sweeping the island and visitors revelled in the easygoing Ibizan lifestyle, stunning beaches and hedonistic nightlife.  

Rudolph’s iconic photography of Ibiza marks the beginnings of modern tourism capturing familiar landmarks and authentic Ibicenco culture. The series is a nostalgic reminder of a bygone Ibiza on the cusp of discovery by the rest of the world. A time capsule containing gems like the exotic Penta Club, Fantasilandia and El Corsario of Dalt Vila or Plaça de Vila now pedestrianised, crowded with vintage cars. The archive is visually stimulating: Rudolph’s creative eye and stylish aesthetic are reflected in unstaged social scenarios, similar to that of photographer Slim Aarons and film director Wes Anderson. The leisure and pleasures of Ibizan society are captured in iconic surroundings like the Argos Hotel. The collection is well rounded with photographs of local Ibicenco doñas in traditional clothing hard at work contrasting with chic Iberian Air hostesses and excited airline passengers. Carefully curated by Agony + Ecstasy Gallery Founder Emma Salahi, the collection comprises 38 photographs in a 6x6 analog format taken by Rudolph between 1976 and 1980.