The Museum of London is taking a fascinating look at London from 1860 to modern day, all through the use of candid photographs.
These aren’t your usual posed photos, but rather show that even back in the early days of photography, people were interested in capturing real life around the city rather than simply holiday snaps or Victorian stern looking photos.
One of the earliest examples of genuine candid photography on display comes from Paul Martin in the 1890s where he used a camera disguised as a parcel to ensure he captured people and the city in the natural state.
There are also examples of what you could say became the first paparazzi in the form of Horace Nicholls who also used candid techniques at the end of the 1800s to capture images of Victorian’s in relaxed leisurely pursuits.
Other works show dedicated amateur photographers such as Paul Trevor who photographed life around Brick Lane in East London almost every day for 10 years during the 1970s, before the gentrification of the area.
The photographs come right up to the modern day with digital pictures from Stephen McLaren who seeks out colourful street images around London.
The full range of over 200 photographs will be on display from February 18th to September 4th 2011 and entry is free.
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One Comment
Thanks for the information about this exhibition. I went along after reading your review, it is a really fascinating look at London life, past and present and I really liked that it shows work by lesser known photographers. It shows some of the multicultural aspects of London and I would really recommend it. Here is something I wrote about it if you are interested..
Glimpsing the heart of London