Lighting a cigarette, Location currently unknown (1950s). © Jack Sharp — *Lighting a cigarette*, Location currently unknown (1950s). © Jack Sharp

In 2014, when Dylan Scalet inherited a large collection of negatives belonging to his late grandfather Jack Sharp, he didn’t think much of it and set the boxes aside. Six years and a global pandemic later, with more than enough spare time on his hands, Scalet finally began digitizing his grandfather’s photographs, and was astounded by what he discovered—namely, a masterful series of street photography depicting everyday life in Europe from over fifty years ago. Blown away by Sharp’s talent, Scalet felt compelled to share his photographs with the world, thus creating a touching posthumous homage to his grandfather, and in the process, offering us all a beautiful and timely escape.

Jack Sharp was born in 1928 in Bedfordshire, England. An engineer by trade, Sharp moved to Geneva in 1955 to work for CERN, one of the world’s most renowned nuclear research organizations. It was there in Switzerland that he developed a great passion for photography, and in his free time, began to chronicle life on the streets—as he would continue to do for years to come, until the early 1970s. Sharp’s photographs from that era are chock-full of soul, and display the photographer’s effortless knack for capturing spontaneous moments of pure humanity: couples flirting, couples fighting; children playing together, children making each other cry. In this multitude of mundane moments, Sharp reveals to us the joy in the everyday, and, in a time when such a truth might elude us, reminds us of the inherent charm in the wide-ranging spectrum of human expression and emotion.

Sharp passed away in 1992, before his grandson was born. Never having met his grandfather, Scalet nonetheless feels that he has gotten to know him through his art, and as viewers, so do we. Indeed the deep humanity that radiates from Sharp’s photography extends beyond its subjects, to the man behind the lens. His talent as a street photographer showcases his character, and signals not only a great love for humankind, but also a gentleness of spirit. Unlike in most other street photography, Sharp’s photographic eye never feels imposing or invasive; instead it is kind and self aware. In one particular photograph which depicts a young couple embracing, Sharp captures the intimate scene from above, seemingly from a window or balcony, removing himself entirely from the interaction. The young couple remain blissfully unaware of his presence, and by letting the moment be exactly what it is—truly sincere —Sharp immortalizes its natural magic.

Tears, a series of images of neighbouring children coming together to put on a show for the local kids (September 1959). © Jack Sharp — *Tears*, a series of images of neighbouring children coming together to put on a show for the local kids (September 1959). © Jack Sharp

The many facets of life and joy contained both within Sharp’s photographs, and within the delightful story of familial connection behind their introduction to the world, serve as a balm for the heart. By catching a glimpse of everyday people going about their lives, mask-less, more than half a century ago, we remember that we too, someday soon, will be congregating with friends and kissing in the middle of the street. And by peering into these many different faces, with their various expressions of laughter, disgruntlement, and playfulness, we remember that people are good, or at the very least, are just people. Images from the past rising to lift our spirits in the present, Sharp’s photographs anchor us to the beauty of human life—and that’s a wonderful thing to hold on to.

You can see more of Jack Sharp’s photography on his website and on Instagram.