London Street Photography - Museum of London

A collection of over 200 images covering street photography from 1860 to the present day. It is fascinating for a couple of reasons - firstly as an historical document of London the photographs chart the changes in architecture, fashion, transport and various social mores. Secondly it shows the development of camera technology and its relationship to the type of street photographs that were and are now possible.
Much has changed from the days of heavy plate cameras and long exposures to the instant gratification of a digital screen nowadays. Despite digital advances the birth of faster film and faster shutter speeds was possibly the greatest seachange. It allowed the blurred human figure to be made solid – and attention was moved away from buildings and static form to the elusive. Indeed the fleeting moment – a glance or a gesture - was captured easily for the first time on 35mm film.

Photograph by Paul Trevor

The work of Roger Mayne in Notting Hill showed streetlife in raw form – curious, threatening and joyful - one of the exhibition highlights. The range of subjects captured included increasing political tensions in the East End with Paul Trevor's work or in west London with the Notting Hill riots. The camera became more of a mouthpiece not merely recording but finding something to say.
The contemporary street photographers continue that tradition – commenting with humour and a touch of sarcasm. The work of Matt Stuart and Nick Turpin go heavily into the absurd using the street as a stage to enjoy the irony of juxtaposition.
This time it reflects the commercialisation of the streetscape but despite this the human condition pervades.
Worth seeing.

Until 4th September. Museum of London. Admission free.