1959 Americana: A Foreign Perspective

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Jane Fender and the G. G. Rochfort Image Archive is proud to present 1959 Americana: A Foreign Perspective, a captivating collection of never-before-published photographs by 90-year-old Australian photographer G. G. Rochfort. Showcasing vivid slices of mid-century Americana, these images were taken during Rochfort’s 1959 visit to the United States, a journey prompted by his work as a newly graduated civil engineer on Australia’s ambitious Snowy Mountains Scheme.

At 25 years of age, G. G. Rochfort embarked on his first-ever trip overseas. Tasked by the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Authority with studying American dam and tunnel construction methods, he found himself enthralled by the bustle and allure of late-1950s America. Driven by the excitement of travelling abroad, a rarity in those days, he captured everyday moments and architectural wonders on film, creating an intimate record of his transpacific adventure. Upon returning home, these evocative photographs were carefully stored away for decades, only to be rediscovered 60 years later.

1959 Americana: A Foreign Perspective offers an enchanting glimpse into America’s pop culture heyday, from neon-lit diners to sweeping highways, inviting viewers to revel in the nostalgia of a transformative era.

The book will be available Q1 2026.

All images ©G. G. Rochfort Image Archive 2026