1980s nyc

During the late 70's and early 80's, New York City's subway system was one of the most dangerous places a person could be. Lucky for those of us who never had the chance to see it, Swiss photographer Willy Spiller was there, and the dark and atmospheric series of vintage photos he took has now come to be known as Hell On Wheels.

A small collection of wonderful photographs taken by Yvon Maurice shows everyday life in New York City in 1986.

It’s well known that Times Square in Manhattan endured a massive facelift during the mayoral tenure of Rudy Giuliani in the 1990s. Disney became an investor in the area, which soon became a touristic haven for Madame Tussaud’s and stores selling overpriced fare from Godiva’s, M&M’s, Quiksilver, and Lids. The main casualty of this process of turbo-gentrification were the charming porno houses that dotted the area in the 1970s and 1980s. Maggie Hopp worked in the administration of Mayor John…

Williamsburg Bridge walkway

The Ritz NYC 1980s

Broadway, ca. 1983

Steffan on Instagram: “Manhattan somewhere.. Photographer Unknown. RG @somewhereiwouldliketolive #usa #manhattan #nyc #newyork #view #somewhereidliketolive…”

new york city, spring 1975 times square part of an archival project, featuring the photographs of nick dewolf © the Nick DeWolf Foundation Image-use requests are welcome via flickrmail or nickdewolfphotoarchive [at] gmail [dot] com