Glacier comparisons
Although climate change has always been a part of Earth’s history, its pace has accelerated dramatically in recent times. Processes that once unfolded over thousands or hundreds of years are now happening within decades — or even just a few years.
As part of my search for abstract images of glaciers, I also research historical photographs and compare them with images taken today. These visual comparisons serve as powerful reminders of the urgency for sustainable action.
Please note: The use, distribution, and reproduction of the following image comparisons are not permitted without prior consent. Please contact me for permission before sharing or using these materials.
The Wehrli Archive
Around the year 1895, the Wehrli brothers established a publishing company in response to the burgeoning tourism industry in Switzerland. As pioneers in the creation of postcards, they captured images of well-known tourist destinations but also undertook challenging climbs to remote locations in the mountains. Their historical images are of extraordinary quality.
Of particular significance to this ongoging photographic project are the historical images of glaciers in the Alps. These images showcase the expansive reach of Alpine glaciers during that era in a visually stunning manner, serving as a poignant reminder of a time that feels increasingly distant in the context of modern climate change.
The central aim of the project is to revisit the locations documented by the photographers and create comparative images, offering a compelling visual narrative of change over time.
All historical images (if not otherwise stated) Swiss National Library, Swiss Federal Office for Heritage Conservation, Archive Wehrli.
A selection of comparison images (more in stock)
~1910 vs 2024
Mer de Glace, France
1905 vs 2022
Matterhorn, Switzerland
1906 vs 2024
Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland
~1906 vs 2024
Aletsch Glacier, Switzerland
1910 vs 2024
Glacier des Bossons, France
~1905 vs 2022
Gorner Glacier, Switzerland
1913 vs 2024
Gorner Glacier, Switzerland
~1906 vs 2024
Eiger Glacier, Switzerland
1923 vs 2024
Eismeer Glacier, Switzerland
~1909 vs 2024
Madatsch Glacier, Italy
1909 vs 2024
Sulden Glacier, Italy
~1910 vs 2024
Stein Glacier, Switzerland
1921 vs 2024
Rhone Glacier, Switzerland
~1910 vs 2024
Rhone Glacier, Switzerland
Download all information on the Wehrli Archive as a brochure
Find a brochure with all the information above for download here.
Glacier comparison: Gurgler Glacier, Austria - around 1935 vs 2023;
(c) historical image: Much Heiss, Innsbruck
Glacier comparisons as effective way to
convey the need for sustainability
Various aspects argue in favor of comparative photos:
1. Visible Impact: Glaciers are iconic symbols of climate change. Comparing historical photos with recent ones demonstrates the tangible consequences of environmental degradation.
2. Global significance: Glaciers are found in various regions worldwide, and their decline is a global phenomenon. This shows the urgency of taking action on a planetary scale.
3. Time-Lapse Effect: Glacier comparisons provide a tangible time-lapse effect, showing how rapidly environmental conditions have deteriorated.
4. Educational Value: Glacier comparisons serve as a powerful tool, helping people understand the direct connection between human activities, climate change, and the consequences for our natural environment.
Glacier comparison: Pasterze Glacier, Austria - around 1960 vs 2024;
(c) historical image: H. Tollinger, Bad Döbriach
Effective visual world in communication,
marketing, and corporate efforts
Companies can use these comparisons for various purposes:
→ Corporate Social Responsibility
→ Public Awareness Campaigns
→ Stakeholder Engagement
→ Product Messaging
→ Educational Initiatives
→ Supply Chain Transparency
→ Investor Relations
→ Employee Engagement
Incorporating glacier comparisons into these contexts can enhance the effectiveness of communication and engagement efforts, making sustainability a more tangible and relatable concept for various stakeholders.
Glacier comparisons from different localities (more in stock)
~1910 vs 2024
Pfandlscharte Glacier, Austria
(c) historical image: Verlag Leon, Klagenfurt
1979 vs 2024
Rhone Glacier, Switzerland
(c) historical image: ETH-Bibliothek Zürich, Bildarchiv/Stiftung Luftbild Schweiz/LBS_L1-794506
1930 vs 2023
Schwarze Milz Glacier, Austria
(c) historical image: Stadtarchiv Immenstadt, Germany
~ 1950 vs 2023
Hochkoenig Glacier, Austria
(c) historical image: Cozy Verlag, Salzburg
~1890 vs 2023
Tschierva Glacer, Switzerland
(c) historical image: Schweizerische Nationalbibliothek, Eidgenössisches Archiv für Denkmalpflege: Archiv Wehrli
1910 vs 2023
Uebeltal Glacier, Italy
(c) historical image: Photographie und Verlag von Gebr. Bährendt, Meran
1875 vs 2019
Boya Glacier, Norway
(c) historical image: unknown
~1910 vs 2022
Schneeferner Glacier, Zugspitze, Germany
(c) historical image: A. Somweber, Zuspitzdorf Ehrwald
1910 vs 2022
Gurgler Glacier, Austria
(c) historical image: Photographie und Verlag von Gebr. Bährendt, Meran
Contact me for further information
If you have any further questions or would like to discuss the usage of the glacier images please contact me. I am more than happy to help.