The forthcoming photographic exhibition, Londoners Through a Lens, opens on Friday 14th August at the Getty Images Gallery and follows on from last year’s hugely popular show, London Through a Lens. Londoners Through a Lens takes another look at the capital, but this time with the emphasis on its inhabitants, from the famous figures to the everyday people. Time Out Guides will once again be publishing a ‘Londoners Through a Lens’ book to accompany the exhibition, which will go on sale 3rd September 2009.
British actors Sid James and Kenneth Williams having a tea break during the filming of ‘Carry On At Your Convenience’, 1971. Actress Patsy Rowlands, who also stars in the film, is on the right. (Photo by Larry Ellis Collection/Getty Images) Larry Ellis Collection, 2005 Getty Images
The exhibition features a wide-ranging and multifaceted selection of photos from the past century, including a selection of rare images. All of the images in the collection were chosen from the Getty Images Hulton Archive and range from 1900-1990. These stirring shots capture the spirit, personality and ever-evolving style of London’s residents over the course of 90 years.
“As one of London’s leading photo galleries it is only fitting that we are hosting this show, which is a stunning sequel to ‘London Through a Lens’ and a perfect tribute to the people of London,” says Getty Images Gallery Director, Louise Garczewska. “The spirit, energy and excitement of our capital is embodied in every one of its charming inhabitants, from Michael Caine to Thomas Sparrow, the bird taxidermist from Eltham. These images really portray what it means to be a Londoner.”
London has produced its fair share of heroes and villains, many of which are included in the exhibition. But the exhibition is not a celebrity identity parade; it also captures the anonymous Londoners, the people that haven’t appeared in the spotlight, but have helped shaped the metropolis of today. An image of the Sex Pistols outside Buckingham Palace appears alongside an image of school children queuing outside a children’s only cinema. A rat catcher with two ferrets and his faithful Jack Russell appears alongside the swinging sixties fashion designer Mary Quant.
“Londoners Through a Lens takes a look at what makes London so special – namely, its people,” says Cath Phillips, Editor of the Time Out Guides book “Artists and actors, comedians and call-girls, musicians and murderers, playwrights and politicians, scientists and sporting stars – the celebrated and the hated all appear, but there are also plenty of anonymous faces, everyday Londoners going about their everyday business, working, playing and bringing London to life.”
Visit Getty Images Galley at : http://www.gettyimagesgallery.com
