Thomas Gerdes

@thomasgerdes.de

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Head of Library at Max Planck Institute for Political and Social Science, Göttingen. | Passionate about open science and supporting research. | thomasgerdes.de

A photograph of a tall, bare tree dominating the centre of the frame, its intricate leafless branches spreading across a pale sky. A lawn stretches across the foreground. Behind the tree, bare shrubs and a residential house are softly visible, suggesting early spring. A metal ladder lies flat on the grass to the right.

Solitary mature tree stands in the centre of an expansive rust-orange moorland. The scene features layers of autumn-coloured heathland vegetation, with misty treelines receding into a soft grey sky, creating a minimalist composition.

A Christmas tree made entirely of stacked books arranged in a conical shape, wrapped with warm white fairy lights and topped with a golden glitter star. The tree stands in a library with bookshelves visible in the background. Wrapped presents sit at the base on a wooden floor.

A bright yellow metal arch rests on a weathered stone wall next to a green mooring post along a misty canal. The foggy atmosphere obscures the brick buildings and bare trees in the background, while the water reflects the atmospheric scene.

Moored sailboat beneath bare tree branches on a foggy harbour morning. The vessel's mast and rigging extend upward through leafless limbs, while fog obscures apartment buildings in the background. The monochromatic scene captures the quiet, misty atmosphere of a winter waterfront.

Modern apartment buildings shrouded in dense fog along a harbour waterfront. A tall poplar tree stands between two residential towers with curved balconies. Bare winter trees line a wooden fence at the water's edge, with reflections visible in the still, dark water below.

Modern library interior with bright blue neon text reading "FREIHEIT IST DENKBAR" (Freedom is Thinkable) above floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Through the windows, multiple levels of illuminated bookshelves are visible. A wooden desk sits in the foreground beneath concrete ceiling beams.

Black and white photograph of the Babylon cinema marquee displaying "BABYLON" and "D NKE FÜR NICHTS" (Thanks for Nothing - with 'A' missing), the current film title partially obscured by bare tree branches. The weathered building facade above shows rows of windows, and a leafless tree dominates the right side of the frame.

Black and white photograph of a orangutan sitting against glass in a zoo enclosure. A boy is reflected in the glass barrier, creating a poignant juxtaposition between the ape and its observer. The concrete floor and textured walls of the enclosure are visible in the background.

A gorilla relaxes in a rope hammock suspended between wooden supports in a zoo enclosure. The black and white photograph captures the primate lying on its back, gazing upward in a moment of leisure. The textured concrete wall behind creates depth, while other gorillas rest in shadowy areas below. Thick braided ropes and weathered wood logs form the climbing structure.

Four people wearing white gloves stand around a table in a library with colourful book-lined shelves. They examine documents and objects, including a small floral arrangement. A modern floating staircase is visible on the left wall.

A brightly lit tram travels along tracks at night in a high-contrast black and white photograph. The tram's illuminated windows create striking white rectangles against the dark surroundings. In the background, several tall residential tower blocks stand prominently lit against the night sky, while smaller buildings and streetlights dot the urban landscape. The composition creates a dramatic interplay between light and shadow, emphasizing the geometric lines of the tram, tracks, and architecture.

Black and white photograph of a crowded waterfront promenade with seagulls flying overhead against a cloudy sky. The Elbphilharmonie's distinctive wave-like architecture dominates the right side of the frame, while a tall ship's mast is visible at the far right. Various modern and historic buildings line the harbour, with pedestrians filling the walkway below.

Black and white photograph of Hamburg's harbour with the distinctive Elbphilharmonie concert hall dominating the skyline. The modern glass building with its wave-like façade rises behind historic waterfront structures. In the foreground, various boats and vessels are moored at wooden piers, with flags fluttering in the breeze. Harbour cranes are visible in the background under a cloudy sky.

Black and white photograph of modern white residential buildings arranged in a row along a curved pathway. The multi-story structures feature flat roofs, rectangular windows, and dark balconies with metal railings. Low hedges and small trees separate the buildings from a grass lawn and paved walkway in the foreground. The minimalist architecture creates a rhythmic pattern against an overcast sky.

A row of tall, slender trees stands along the edge of a still body of water in black and white. The trees create a striking silhouette against a dramatic cloudy sky, their reflections visible in the calm water below. A walkway or pier runs along the waterfront, and additional trees are visible on the right side of the frame.

Large white cruise ship with "AIDA" branding passing by a pier under an overcast sky. A striped navigation marker pole stands in the foreground water, with the ship's multiple decks and distinctive funnel design visible against grey clouds.

A wall mural in a bicycle parking area featuring a vintage bicycle design and Gothic lettering reading 'Fahrräder'. The mural depicts a classic brown bicycle painted on a cream-coloured wall with an orange accent stripe. Modern bicycles are parked in metal racks below the mural.

A deer stands alert among tall grass and ferns in this black and white nature photograph. The deer's ears are perked up and it appears to be looking toward the camera, partially camouflaged by the surrounding vegetation and forest undergrowth.

Black and white photograph of a sunflower field with dozens of blooms at various stages, from fully opened flowers with prominent dark centers to drooping mature heads. Rural houses with peaked roofs visible in the background across an open field.

Black and white photo of people playing a board game at a wooden picnic table. The table shows a hex-grid game board, playing cards with star symbols, beer glasses, a water bottle, and an ashtray. Players' hands and arms are visible around the edges of the frame.

Black and white sky filled with heavy, textured clouds above silhouetted rooftops and trees. The cloudscape shows varying densities of storm clouds with bright patches breaking through, contrasting against the dark building silhouettes below.

A scoop of ice cream in a paper cup, topped with an decorative wafer. A wooden spoon rests in the cup, which sits on a moss-covered stone surface. Lush green plants and a sunny street scene with pedestrians blur softly in the background.

A tall glass of coral-pink sparkling cocktail sits on a wooden table in a warmly lit restaurant or bar. The textured crystal glass catches the ambient lighting, while blue decorative lights and other diners create a cozy atmosphere in the background. A small decorative sphere and napkin are visible on the table beside the drink.

Large model sailing ship with green hull and white sails displayed in a modern museum gallery. The detailed replica features multiple masts with rigging and decorative stern elements. Red rope barriers on metal posts surround the exhibit. Modern architecture visible in background includes stairs, large windows, and white walls with contemporary lighting.

A weathered white street sign displays a red heart and difficult-to-read text asking drivers to pay attention to children. The sign is mounted against lush green foliage, with lichen and dirt covering its surface.

Looking up through a modern glass roof structure at the ornate tower of Hamburg's historic Rathaus (City Hall). The neo-Renaissance tower features copper-green roofing, decorative spires, and intricate stonework, framed dramatically by geometric glass panels and metal supports against a clear blue sky.

A white ceramic cup of black coffee sits on a saucer with a partially eaten cookie beside it, placed on a dark worn table. Behind the coffee, a glass of water with ice and a straw rests on a napkin. The scene includes various table items like salt and pepper shakers, a notebook with pen, and a glass pitcher, all captured in high-contrast black and white photography that emphasizes the textures of the weathered restaurant table surface.

Vibrant garden display of pink and purple tulips in full bloom, with blue forget-me-nots creating a colourful carpet beneath. A bronze statue on a pedestal stands among the flowers while visitors explore the formal garden on a bright spring day.

Tudor-style historic brick building with distinctive chimney stacks and mullioned windows. The courtyard features wooden carts with spring flowers, traditional barrels, and cobblestone paving. A visitor explores this well-preserved heritage site on a sunny day.

Handwritten chalkboard listing 'Key Aims of Double Cross' with seven strategic points about intelligence operations during wartime, including controlling enemy systems, catching spies, and gathering information on German codes and cyphers. Historical museum display of WWII espionage tactics.

Cozy historic study room with vintage furnishings including oriental rugs, a chaise lounge covered in patterned fabrics, built-in bookshelves, framed artworks, and decorative busts. The warm, scholarly atmosphere suggests a preserved historic home or museum space.

Tate Britain museum illuminated at night with bright pink banners reading 'FREE FOR ALL' and a large poster for 'THE 80s' exhibition running from 21 November 2024 to 5 May 2025. The neoclassical facade features ornate columns and decorative details.

Striking metal sculpture featuring intricate, abstract calligraphy-inspired shapes in brushed silver, positioned outside a London Underground station. The sculpture creates a web of curving metallic forms against modern glass buildings, with the iconic red and blue Underground roundel visible through the artistic framework.

Illuminated Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) at night in London, with its golden-lit Gothic architecture and glowing clock faces, alongside the purple-lit London Eye visible in the background.

Two people examining publications and books spread on an information table. Behind them, the community room is arranged with rows of wooden chairs for a presentation. The space features distinctive dotted acoustic wall panels, large windows allowing natural light, and bookshelves visible along the walls. A blue informational poster stands on a display board nearby.

This image shows the interior of Frankfurt Main Train Station (Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof) in Germany. The photo captures the impressive arched glass and steel roof structure that allows natural light to flood the platforms below. You can see trains stationed along the platforms with passengers waiting or walking through the station.

In the background, you can see "Frankfurter Allgemeine" (a major German newspaper) displayed on one of the glass walls. The station appears busy with travelers carrying luggage, and platform signs visible in the image.

Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof is one of the largest train stations in Europe and serves as an important transportation hub for both local and international rail travel in Germany. The architectural style features the classic combination of 19th-century industrial design with its grand arched ceiling, which is typical of major European train terminals built during that era.

A beautiful spring scene by a waterfront, featuring blooming cherry or similar blossom trees with white and pink flowers. The image shows a pathway along a body of water, the Binnenalster in Hamburg, with people walking and enjoying the scenery. The sky is clear blue, and there are various trees in different stages of bloom - some with white blossoms, some with pink, and others just beginning to show spring growth. Several people can be seen on the path enjoying what appears to be a pleasant spring day. The scene has a vibrant, peaceful quality typical of popular spring blossom viewing spots.

Banner der Veranstaltung "Nacht der Bibliotheken" am 04.04.2025.

Interior of a historic theatre with ornate gold baroque decorations and red curtains. The stage features a large circular blue platform with hanging white spheres of different sizes, creating a dreamy atmosphere. The audience can be seen seated in the red velvet seats and ornate balconies.

Night scene showing a street lamp post covered in various posters including political campaign ads for German politicians, and an advertisement for 'World of i-tronic Dinosaurs' exhibition.

Transit service notification sign from Hamburg, Germany, showing route changes for S3 and S5 train lines, with an extended construction period until 6.2.25. The sign includes a route map, alternative connections, and bilingual information in German and English.

Colorful street art mural featuring a portrait of Einstein sticking out his tongue, surrounded by bright blue and green graffiti elements, with 'PEACE' written nearby. The artwork combines playful and scientific themes in an urban style.

Black and white night-time photograph of a tall sailing ship docked in a harbour, with illuminated city buildings and port lights reflecting on the water. The ship's intricate rigging and masts create a dramatic silhouette against the night sky.

A serene winter landscape showing snow-covered trees with vibrant red leaves still clinging to their branches. The white snow blankets the ground and coats every branch, creating a striking contrast with the red foliage against a gray winter sky.

Street art of a pink heart with '2.3' written inside it on a yellow-green wall, partially covered by climbing ivy plants growing up the wall, creating an interesting contrast between urban art and nature.

A festive German Christmas market booth called 'Gottinger Schwibbogen' selling hot drinks, decorated with large red candles and ornate arches illuminated by twinkling lights. Gothic church windows visible in the background. Crowd of visitors wearing winter coats gathered around the stand, which offers traditional drinks like Glühwein and hot chocolate.

Black and white nighttime photograph of a dynamic bronze sculpture showing two dancing figures, set against a historic building facade decorated with illuminated snowflake ornaments. The contrast between the dark sculpture and the lit architectural elements creates a dramatic winter atmosphere.

A black and white photograph of a German Christmas market at night. Large illuminated stars hang from bare tree branches above the scene. Below, wooden market stalls decorated with Christmas garlands and lights are surrounded by crowds of people browsing. The overall atmosphere is festive and cozy despite the winter darkness.

Statue of Sherlock Holmes, 'The Great Detective', in London. Black and white image shows the iconic figure with pipe against a backdrop of classic British architecture.

Black and white cityscape of London featuring the Shard skyscraper, Thames river, and London Bridge. Moody sky with clouds looming over modern architecture.

Night view of London's National Gallery and St. Martin-in-the-Fields church. The neoclassical facade of the gallery with its iconic dome is illuminated, contrasting with the dark sky. Street lamps create a warm glow in this black and white urban scene.

Night view of a curved road intersection, illuminated by street lamps. A car's headlights shine on the wet pavement, creating a dramatic contrast in the black-and-white image. Trees and road signs are visible in the shadowy surroundings.

Black and white photo of a train platform display board. Three lines repeatedly show 'Do not board' for S-Bahn lines. 'Platform 1' at the bottom. Silhouettes of a train and passengers in the foreground.

Ferris wheel in front of a lightly clouded sky.