Every year, the Photo London fair transforms the city into a global photography hub. It brings together vintage masterpieces, cutting-edge contemporary works, and exciting new discoveries from every corner of the globe. This creates a unique space where cultures and generations meet and mingle. Read more on londonski.
The Journey of Photo London: From Humble Beginnings to a Global Stage
Founded in 2004 by Daniel Newburg, Photo London initially took place at the Royal Academy of Arts. The organisers’ goal was to cultivate a new generation of photography collectors. After three successful years, Reed Expositions bought the rights to the event, hoping to turn it into a British counterpart to Paris Photo. However, a change in venue from the elegant Mayfair to Old Billingsgate, a shift in focus exclusively to contemporary photography, and the global financial crisis all conspired against it, and the fair was closed after just one attempt under its new leadership.
Photo London was only revived in 2015, thanks to the company Candlestar and its founders, Michael Benson and Fariba Farshad. The majestic Somerset House on the banks of the Thames provided a perfect new home for this massive celebration of photography. The world’s leading galleries flocked to the event, offering not only works by established masters but also rising stars at the beginning of their careers. A highlight of the first revived fair was the “Beneath the Surface” exhibition, organised by the Victoria and Albert Museum. It showcased rare items from the museum’s unique collection, which traces the very beginnings of photographic art. On top of that, the event’s programme also included important discussions and lectures featuring leading curators, photographers, and critics.
In 2020, the global pandemic forced Photo London to move online. Instead of the halls of Somerset House, visitors were welcomed to the Artsy.net platform. Despite the lack of a live atmosphere, the sixth iteration of the event still drew over 100 exhibitors from 21 countries. It kept its Discovery section for young talents, expert panel discussions, and the prestigious Master of Photography Award.
The 2023 exhibition was a true international spectacle. It seamlessly blended vintage and contemporary photography, displaying the best art from around the world. The publishers’ section was particularly popular, with a record number of participants from Japan, France, Italy, Germany, the USA, and more. This gave visitors a chance to discover new photobooks, artbooks, and unique publications that are often works of art in themselves. A special exhibition of Mexican photographers, supported by the Maroma Belmond Hotel, added another important layer of diversity to the event by showcasing a contemporary Latin American vision of photography.
In 2025, Photo London celebrated its tenth anniversary. The organisers brought together not only regular participants but also new galleries and publishers joining for the first time. The true gem of the event was a major exhibition in the Embankment Galleries dedicated to London life. Curated by the renowned critic and author Francis Hodgson, it successfully brought together different generations of artists whose careers are deeply linked to the city. The exhibition featured 30 photographers, including legendary masters David Bailey and James Barnor, fashion photography icons Miles Aldridge and Nigel Shafran, and documentary innovators Hannah Starkey and Mary McCartney.
A Global Player: The Enduring Significance of Photo London
Photo London has cemented its place as one of the most important international photography forums, bringing the best of photographic art to the British capital every year. It bridges the gap between historical and vintage works and the latest creative experiments, creating a platform where the past meets the future. The organisers are also committed to pre-fair talks and educational initiatives, helping to build knowledge about photography and its market. The Photo London Master of Photography Award holds a special place, honouring leading figures in the field and further solidifying the event’s international prestige.
