In May, photography thrives in London as Photo London returns to Somerset House for its ninth edition and museums and galleries across the city present seminal exhibitions documenting. Here are our London team’s picks of the top 5 to see!

1/ Photo London at Somerset House (May 15-19 2024)

The fair is back for its ninth edition at Somerset House, showcasing a captivating array of past, present, and future photography. Renowned French photographer Valérie Belin takes the spotlight as the Master of Photography for 2024. Alongside this prestigious recognition, the event features two significant exhibitions within its Public Programme, complemented by a remarkable roster of over 120 esteemed international exhibitors, both new and returning.

We are particularly excited to view the solo presentation of unseen colour photographs from the 1950s by New York legend Helen Levitt, shown by Zander Galerie (Cologne, Paris) alongside prints of Picasso and Bridget Bardot by Edward Quinn, on show at Suite 59 Gallery.

2/ The Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize 2024 at The Photographers' Gallery (until June 2, 2024)

Celebrating its 28th year, this prestigious award has garnered recognition as one of the foremost accolades for photographers, showcasing exceptional, innovative, and thought-provoking work. Ahead of the winner’s announcement on May 16, this year’s shortlist features a diverse array of artists: Alie Export, Gauri Gill & Rajesh Vangad, Lebohang Kganye, and Hrair Sarkissian. Each artist critically engages with socio-political issues, including themes such as war and conflict, decolonisation, heritage, equality, and gender. Through their compelling work, they highlight photography’s unique ability to unveil the invisible, shed light on the forgotten, and amplify marginalised voices, fostering important conversations.

3/ BURTYNSKY: Extraction/Abstraction at Saatchi Gallery (Until May 6, 2024)

This exhibition is the largest to date, showcasing Burtynsky’s photographic achievements and commitment to documenting the impact of human industry on our planet. Curated by Marc Mayer (former Director of the National Gallery of Canada and Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal), the exhibition displays 94 of Burtynsky’s striking large-format photographs alongside 13 high-resolution murals and an immersive augmented reality (AR) experience. Through this comprehensive display, viewers will gain profound insights into Burtynsky’s lifelong exploration of humanity’s relationship with the natural world and the environmental repercussions of industrial activities.

4/ Bert Hardy: Photojournalism in War and Peace at The Photographers Gallery (until 2 June 2024)

London-born Bert Hardy (1913-1995, UK) was an influential English press and documentary photographer known for his work for Picture Post magazine. This posthumous exhibition presents the key moments in Hardy’s career – from self-taught news and sports photographer, to serving combat cameraman, renowned Picture Post photojournalist and successful advertising entrepreneur.

5/ Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron: Portraits to Dream at the National Portrait Gallery (until 16 June 2024)

This exhibition celebrates the visionary contributions of these two influential women in the history of photography. With over 160 rare vintage prints on display, the showcase spans the careers of both artists, offering viewers new perspectives on their innovative approaches to portraiture while also reflecting on the evolution of photographic portraiture in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Our memberships are designed to enhance your art experience with unparalleled access to the finest photography events in London. With our Club package, you could enjoy complimentary museum visits with a guest to exhibitions such as Francesca Woodman and Julia Margaret Cameron at the National Portrait Gallery and dive deeper into the art world with private tours at events like Photo London, featuring insights from fair director Kamiar Maleki. Click here to find out more about our membership!