Last chance to see…London Street Photography
The London Street Photography exhibition showcases the Museum of London’s fantastic collection of London street photographs from c.1860 to 2010. The astoundingly popular exhibition opened in February this year but is due to close on the 4 September 2011. Opening in its place is Dickens and London - a major exhibition launching on the 9 December 2011.
The London Street Photography exhibition demonstrates how street photography has evolved over the years and the way in which it helps us understand the dynamism and energy of the capital. The photographs offer a fascinating visual documentation of the evolving city - a true snapshot through time.
Approximately 200 photographs are on display, including work by well-known photographers such as John Thomson, Henry Grant and Roger Mayne, as well as various contemporary images. All the photographs in the exhibition contain an element of chance - a defining characteristic of street photography. Whether it’s a fleeting expression, a brief encounter or a momentary juxtaposition, every piece has a sense of spontaneity and movement.
This exhibition is the first to explore street photography exclusively in relation to London. It focuses on the motives of the photographers and the wider social and cultural contexts in which they worked.
Mike Seaborne, Senior Curator of Photographs at the Museum of London said: “The exhibition provides an interesting insight into how London street photography has developed since 1860. Each photographer has, in their own way, captured something of the character of this amazing city.”
The Museum of London partnered with The Big Issue to launch the show. As a magazine and movement that was born on the streets, The Big Issue has a unique take on London life. The Museum of London invited Big Issue vendors to photograph London’s streets to show the city from a different perspective. The resulting images were published in the magazine, and the most popular photographs, as voted by readers, became part of the exhibition.
London Street Photography closes on the 4 September 2011. Admission is free.
