Soviet Russia Seen Through an American Photographer's Lens
Thomas Hammond, a professor at the University of Virginia and a specialist in Russian and Soviet history, made several trips to the Soviet Union before its collapse in 1991.
During his travels, he visited many Soviet cities, taking more than 3,000 photos along the way.
A newly presented series of his photographs taken from 1956 to 1975 depicts scenes of Soviet life, culture, nature and people. The photos show scenes of everyday Soviet life as well as its special moments, transporting the viewer back through the decades.
Here is a look at some of his works:
During his travels, he visited many Soviet cities, taking more than 3,000 photos along the way.
A newly presented series of his photographs taken from 1956 to 1975 depicts scenes of Soviet life, culture, nature and people. The photos show scenes of everyday Soviet life as well as its special moments, transporting the viewer back through the decades.
Here is a look at some of his works:
Spending a day in the snow with classic Soviet architecture as a backdrop.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
Working women on a stroll through the city.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
Better than supermarkets.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
Passing the summer hours together at the dacha.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
Naval cadets show off their traditional Russian dance moves.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
The famous Russian ballet during Soviet times.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
A parade makes its way through Moscow on its way to Red Square.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
Soviet swimwear? Iconic.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
The view from the Moscow River at sunset looks slightly different today.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
A Soviet wedding party stops for a photo on the street.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
Flocking to see "The Motherland Calls" in Volgograd.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
What's on the menu?
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
Soviet schoolchildren pose for a group photo.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
Friends basking in the sun.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
Factory workers taking a quick break from the job.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
Getting out of the city to spend time in the sun is a timeless summer tradition.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
The quiet things that no one ever knows.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
The ever-industrious snow plow.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
When you're not bothered by the sand.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
Everyday life carries on far away from the U.S.S.R.'s urban centers.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
Taking your horse to the Old Town Road: timeless.
Thomas T. Hammond / University of Virginia
