Germaine Van Parys (1893-1983) was one of Belgium's most important photographers. As a press photographer, she had the privilege of looking in on the lives of the royal families, but her work also features rock-and-roll stars and the common man. Her godchild Odette Dereze (born in 1932) followed in her godmother's footsteps from a young age and started a career as a photo journalist. As a result of the exhibition of the works of Germaine Van Parys and Odette Dereze at the Photo Museum Antwerp (Autumn 2013 - Spring 2014), extensive research done by photo historian Johan Swinnen resulted in the rediscovery of much hitherto unknown archival material of significant photographic-historical value created by these two strong female photographic pioneers. The book Germaine Van Parys & Odette Dereze: The Touch of Time offers a surprising selection from their captivating work.
