From 1977 until 1984, Spiller amassed nearly 2,000 images of the subway.
The images were first published in 1986 and then rereleased tobig acclaim in 2016.
However, that edition is now out of print and is difficult to find.
Grand Central Station, New York, 1983, Getting To The Office, Subway New York, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NY, 1977–1985
Thankfully, Bildhalle has published aredesigned edition ofHell on Wheelsthat also included previously unseen images.
Spiller’s work no longer inspires fear.
Instead, it provokes nostalgia for a time gone by.
Jerome Avenue IRT Line, New York 1980, Unguided Tour 1977–1985
Here, I could blithely observe and capture the vast human menagerie of the metropolis.
Communication between passengers, if any, was subtle.
Signed and unsigned copies ofHell on Wheelsare now available on theBildhalle website.
Rush Hour on Lexington IRT, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NYC, 1977–1985
For true fans of street photography, there is also a limited edition that includes a signed print.
With a 1,000-copy print run, act fast before Spiller’s work once again becomes hard to find.
Starting in 1977, Swiss photographer Willy Spiller spent eight years documenting the New York subway.
Subway New York, Hell on Wheels, Police Control, 72nd St. Station West Side IRT Line, NY, 1977–1985
Greeting Women Descending Staircase, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels,19771985
Related Articles:
Schoolgirls on the A-Train to Far Rockaway, Subway New York, 1978, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NY, 1977–1985
Riding Together, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NY, 1977–1985
Downtown Express 72nd St. Station, Women Waiting on Platform West Side IRT, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, Subway New York, NY, 1977–1985
Ghettoblaster Man Waiting, 72nd St. Station West Side IRT Line, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NY, 1977–1985,
Dangerous Ride, Boy Clinging Outside A Subway Car, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NY, 1977–1985,
Conversation on the A-Train, Subway NY 1982, Unguided Tour 1977–1985
Conductor Between Subway Cars, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, NYC, 1977–1985
After the Rehearsal, Columbus Circle, Subway NY 1982, Unguided Tour 1977–1985
Elevated Station 180 St, Queens, New York, 1982, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels, Subway New York, NY, 1977–1985
Hello! Greeting Women Descending Staircase, Subway New York, Unguided Tour Hell on Wheels,1977–1985
