A collection of rare colour images of the First World War – taken by a small group of photographers who were pioneering the recently developed autochrome technology – has been published by Taschen.

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The First World War in Colour features more than 320 colour images charting some of the most important events of the conflict – from the mobilisation of forces in 1914, to victory celebrations in London, Paris and New York in 1919.

The autochrome process required a relatively long exposure time, so virtually all of the images depict carefully composed scenes, such as group portraits and ruined cities.

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The First World War in Colour by Peter Walther is published by Taschen, priced at £34.99. Find out more at the Taschen website.

Two men in a trench during World War One
(Photo: Hans Hildenbrand)
A man looks over the top of a trench during World War One
(Photo: Hans Hildenbrand)
A bi-plane during World War One
(Photo: Jules Gervais-Courtellemont)
A World War One zeppelin
(Photo: Hans Hildenbrand)
A colour image of military guns during World War One
(Photo: Jules Gervais-Courtellemont)
A colour image of wartime destruction during World War One
(Photo: Jules Gervais-Courtellemont)
A colour image of a Red Cross truck during World War One
(Photo: Jules Gervais-Courtellemont)
A colour image of weapons during world war one
(Photo: Shells-Lafaux)
A colour image of a tank during world war one
(Photo: The American Committee for Devastated France)
A colour image from Paris during World War One
(Photo: Léon Gimpel)
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