Despite the lack of formal eduction in photography, Leonard Szmaglik became one of the most important photographers in the history of Gdansk (Poland).

For 30 years Szmaglik worked in Gdansk Shipyard, but since childhood photography has been his passion, which he cultivated since the 1950s. He photographed everything and everywhere. The still-growing collection of his pictures documents over five decades of official events (visits of Fidel Castro or Charles de Gaulle, state parades and celebrations), as well as everyday life scenes: shop windows, erections of new buildings, rock festivals, markets and fairs. His photos show the journey that Gdansk and its inhabitants underwent on a way to freedom.

Szmaglik's pictures were presented on numerous exhibitions and the photographer was appreciated for his works, eg. with the Prize of the Mayor of Gdansk for the merits for the city.

Szmaglik contributed to the Photographic Collection of European Solidarity Centre (ECS) in Gdansk with a huge number of his photographs, which make only a part of the photographer's vast portfolio.