Bolesław Matuszewski - Polish businessman, photographer and cameraman, pioneer of cinematography and documentary film.
Background
He was born in 1856 in Pińczów the small Congress Poland city which after Partitions of Poland became part of the Russian Empire. His father Aleksander was translator of French language and his mother was Stanisława Pochowska. His father learned him French language on advanced level and Matuszewski in 80.
Career
Of XIX lived in Paris where he study. In this time he interested photography and film. In 1895 he back to Poland with younger brother Zygmunt.
Both they founded photographic atelier on Marszałkowska street 111 in Warsaw.
Shortly after atelier become buissness company called Lux Sigismond et Company Matuszewski's firm between 1897–1899 cooperated with Polish press „Tygodnik Ilustrowany”.
The company was active to 1908 and produced many documentary movies and photos. In 1897, after assuming the position of photographer to Tsar Nicholas II, he used the Lumières" Cinématographe to record the official visit to Saint St. Petersburg, of the French President Félix Faure.
After the visit, Otto von Bismarck accused Faure of not baring his head before the Russian flag on his disembarkation.
However, this accusation was shown to be false based on Matuszewski"s documentary.
Membership
He became employee of the Lumière company and was active photographer and cinematographer, member of photographic society "LUX".