34 Facts About John Margolies

Who is John Margolies?

John Margolies was an American photographer, author, and architectural critic. He dedicated his life to capturing the quirky, colorful, and unique roadside architecture of America. His work has become a vital record of mid-20th-century Americana.

1. John Margolies was born on May 16, 1940, in New Canaan, Connecticut.
2. He earned a degree in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.
3. Margolies worked as a curator at the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum in New York City.
4. He began photographing roadside attractions in the early 1970s.
5. His fascination with roadside architecture started during childhood family road trips.

Margolies' Photography

Margolies' photography is renowned for its focus on the whimsical and often overlooked aspects of American roadside culture. His images capture the essence of a bygone era.

6. He used a 35mm Canon camera for most of his work.
7. Margolies often traveled alone, driving thousands of miles to capture his subjects.
8. He avoided photographing people, focusing instead on the structures themselves.
9. His work includes images of diners, motels, gas stations, and drive-in theaters.
10. Margolies' photographs are known for their bright, clear, and straightforward style.

Publications and Exhibitions

Margolies' work has been featured in numerous books and exhibitions, bringing widespread attention to his unique perspective on American culture.

11. He published over a dozen books, including "Roadside America" and "Home Away from Home."
12. His photographs have been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art in New York.
13. The Library of Congress acquired his entire collection of over 11,000 images in 2007.
14. Margolies' work has been featured in magazines such as Life and National Geographic.
15. He received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1978 for his contributions to photography.

Impact on American Culture

Margolies' work has had a lasting impact on how Americans view their roadside heritage. His photographs serve as a nostalgic reminder of a simpler time.

16. His images have inspired preservation efforts for many roadside attractions.
17. Margolies' work has been used in advertising campaigns for companies like Volkswagen.
18. He was a frequent guest on radio shows and podcasts discussing American roadside culture.
19. Margolies' photographs have been used in documentaries about American travel and architecture.
20. His work has influenced contemporary photographers who focus on Americana.

Personal Life and Legacy

Margolies' dedication to his craft extended beyond his professional life. He was passionate about preserving the unique character of American roadside culture.

21. He married his wife, Emily, in 1968.
22. The couple had two children, a son named David and a daughter named Sarah.
23. Margolies was an avid collector of roadside memorabilia, including postcards and matchbooks.
24. He passed away on May 26, 2016, at the age of 76.
25. Margolies' legacy lives on through his extensive photographic archive.

Fun and Quirky Facts

Margolies' work is filled with fun and quirky details that make his photographs so captivating. Here are some lesser-known facts about his life and work.

26. He once drove over 10,000 miles in a single summer to photograph roadside attractions.
27. Margolies had a particular fondness for giant animal statues, often photographing them from multiple angles.
28. He documented the world's largest ball of twine in Cawker City, Kansas.
29. Margolies' favorite roadside attraction was the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook, Arizona.
30. He often stayed in the motels he photographed, experiencing them firsthand.

Margolies' Influence on Modern Photography

Margolies' unique approach to photography has influenced a new generation of photographers who seek to capture the essence of American culture.

31. His work has been cited as an influence by photographers like Stephen Shore and William Eggleston.
32. Margolies' straightforward style has inspired the minimalist photography movement.
33. His focus on everyday subjects has encouraged photographers to find beauty in the mundane.
34. Margolies' dedication to documenting American culture has set a standard for future generations of photographers.

John Margolies' Legacy

John Margolies left a lasting impact on how we view roadside architecture. His dedication to capturing quirky, unique structures across America has preserved a slice of history that might've otherwise been forgotten. Margolies' photos are more than just images; they tell stories of a bygone era, showcasing the creativity and spirit of mid-20th-century America. His work reminds us to appreciate the everyday beauty around us and the importance of preserving cultural landmarks. Whether it's a giant hot dog stand or a neon motel sign, Margolies saw value in the ordinary. His legacy continues to inspire photographers, historians, and anyone with a love for Americana. Next time you pass an old diner or a funky roadside attraction, think of John Margolies and the stories he captured with his lens. His work ensures these memories live on for future generations.