If you’re a photography fan and you live in London, you’re in luck. Photo London is holding its debut edition in the English capital over the Spring Bank Holiday this week at Somerset House from May 21 to 24.
The international photo fair will feature approximately 70 of the world’s leading photography galleries selected by a panel of acclaimed experts in the field (See Photo London Exhibitor List of 68 Top Galleries Unveiled). Collectors can look forward to a wide variety of works ranging from vintage photographs to contemporary pieces.
Organizers hope to attract a large audience of experts, professionals and enthusiasts to Somerset House with a host of associated public talks with acclaimed photographers such as Sabastião Salgado and Rankin; exhibitions such as Beneath the Surface, featuring over 200 rare photos from the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection; as well as several screenings and other events.
The public program supported by the LUMA Foundation aims to introduce the artistic medium of photography to new audiences and to promote photography as an asset class.
Photo London seeks to promote young, emerging talent. In line with this goal, the fair will present the John Kobal Foundation Discovery Award to the most outstanding emerging photographer featured at the fair. The prize will include a three-month residency in New York.
Additionally the fair’s “Discovery” section introduces young galleries and emerging talent to an international audience by showcasing diverse photography from around the world, including cities such as Istanbul, Seoul, and Tehran.
“Our aim is to make Photo London the best photography fair in the world–bar none,” the fair’s co-director Michael Benson said. “Photo London will need to find imaginative ways of engaging with new audiences both in London and internationally.”
Co-director Fariba Farshad added, “We want to make Photo London a destination–an environment full of delights and surprises for our visitors.”
Photo London takes place at the Somerset House, London, from May 21-24.