THE ENGLISH AT HOME
English Parlourmaid (Evening) 1935 by Bill Brandt from The Perfect Parlourmaid, c Bill Brandt Archive
WHAT? The English at Home: 20th Century Photographs from the Hyman Collection
WHERE? Centre for British Photography, 49 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6LX
WHEN? Now until 23rd April
Free to visit
WHY GO? Home is where the heart is. The newly opened Centre for British Photography is fast garnering well deserved acclaim welcoming over 3,000 visitors alone after just one week of launching.
It’s easy to see why. Centrally located, it’s a hub for all creatives who love the art of photography. Three vast floor spaces will house free exhibitions to delight fans of all ages and inspire would-be photographers of all levels. Of the three inaugural exhibitions, The English at Home ticks the box for all round appeal.
It portrays family life past and present, depicting the changing face of society through photography and exposes the British class system as snapped by such famous names as Bill Brandt, Bert Hardy and Martin Parr. Brandt was the leading society photographer of the Thirties and Forties while Picture Posts’ chief photographer Bert Hardy captured working class life in 1940’s London and Glasgow.
Both leading names portray the diversity of photography as a historic social document.
IN THE KNOW Gleaned from the vast private collections of the Hyman Foundation, the Centre provides a dedicated show-case for British Photography and will also offer short courses on the history of British photography in conjunction with Imperial College led by the distinguished Founder himself, Dr James Hyman.