Guardian photographer Christian Sinibaldi tours the world´s last Polaroid film factory, in the Netherlands, the only remaining factory still making film for the much-loved instant camerasThe Polaroid Corporation was launched in 1937 becoming a touchstone for American innovation and engineering prowess. It was the brainchild of scientist and inventor Edwin Land and his Harvard tutor George Wheelwright and at first made the plastic for polarising sunglasses. In time, it was to create and popularise instant photography, launching a seriesof pioneering cameras and film formats. These inspired generations of artists, including Andy Warhol, Helmut Newton, Robert Mapplethorpe, Maripol, Keith Haring and Guy Bourdin. They helped to raise Polaroid to the status of cultural icon.This month, Polaroid Originals, launched the OneStep+ instant analogue camera which brings analogue instant photography up to date, as it can be connected to a smartphone app, enabling a range of effects.The Enschede Polaroid production plant.Some of the technicians and operators have worked at the factory for decadesPolaroid cameras refurbished over 50 years including the SX-70 camera. Photograph: Mee-Lai Stone Continue reading...
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