The Camera Club - Latest News #inspirationThe Camera Club - Latest News #inspirationhttps://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/tag/inspirationTue, 21 Apr 2026 10:54:28 +0200http://zoho.com/sites/<![CDATA[Gallery 1885 Exhibition: From the TCC Archives]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/gallery-1885-exhibition-what-we-chose-to-showWhat We Chose to Show is an exhibition exploring seven decades of photographic history through the covers of the Camera Club Journal, from the 1940s t ]]>

What We Chose to Show 
​The Camera Club Journal Covers 1940s–2010s


What We Chose to Show is an exhibition exploring seven decades of photographic history through the covers of the Camera Club Journal, from the 1940s to the 2010s. Drawn from the Club’s own archive, the exhibition examines how photographers have used this platform to reflect changing social realities, artistic priorities, and technological developments

Rather than presenting a comprehensive survey, the exhibition focuses on a carefully selected group of covers: the images we chose to show. These covers reveal what the Camera Club valued at different moments in time: from post-war industry and street photography to fashion, wildlife, sport, portraiture, still life, and studio work among other styles. Together, they trace shifting ideas about what photography could be, who it was for, and how it should look.

At the heart of the exhibition is the act of selection itself. One of the most striking moments in the Journal’s history is the infamous “X” cover of April 1958, produced when no suitable photographs were submitted by members. In the Journal, the editors explained that the blank cover was intended to highlight the need for members to document club life and contribute images for publication. What began as an absence became a call to action; and today stands as a powerful reminder that photographic history is shaped as much by participation and circumstance as by artistic ambition.


Founded in 1885, The Camera Club has long been a meeting place for professional and amateur photographers. Its Journal functions as a living archive, recording not only photographic trends but also the values, debates, humour, and working practices of its members. Across the decades represented here, visitors will encounter images shaped by post-war optimism, mid-century glamour, emerging youth culture, technological change, and later digital and conceptual experimentation.


This exhibition forms part of the Club’s ongoing commitment to presenting one exhibition each year drawn from its own photographic collection. By returning to the archive and re-presenting it in a contemporary context, What We Chose to Show invites visitors to reflect on how photographic taste evolves and how a community constructs its own visual history.


The exhibition is curated by Gabe Simon and Dr Monica A. Walker.


Special thanks are due to Rod Tidnam, Felix Hall-Close, and Steve Wilbur, who worked behind the scenes to photograph and print the final selection of images for display.


Please, join us for the Open View on 19 February at 7 PM. 

The Exhibition Catalogue


We are delighted to make the catalogue for What We Chose to Show: The Camera Club Journal Covers 1940s–2010s freely available to read here. As the exhibition reflects on the Journal as a historic space of connection through print, it feels fitting to offer this digital version to our members and visitors, accessible in the Club and beyond. A limited printed run has also been produced as a small-format zine for those who would like a physical copy to take home. The digital edition ensures the research and reflections remain widely available, while the printed version honours the tactile, material traditions that shaped the Journal for over a century.

]]>Sat, 31 Jan 2026 15:20:51 +0000<![CDATA[Gallery 1885 Exhibition: Astrid Schultz]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/gallery-1885-exhibition-astrid-schultzAstrid Schulz - Food As Medicine: 18 MAR - 12 APR. Astrid became fascinated with exotic food when she was a child. She was born in Hamburg – “The Gateway to the World”. Her favourite place in the city was the port and she has fond memories of early morning visits with her father.]]>

Food As Medicine: 18 MAR - 12 APR

Astrid Schulz became fascinated with exotic food when she was a child. She was born in Hamburg – “The Gateway to the World”. Her favourite place in the city was the port and she has fond memories of early morning visits with her father. The fish market, the scent of cinnamon, pepper, nutmeg. Spices and food from all over the world.

These impressions have influenced Astrid throughout her life. Her journeys to distant countries, and cultures, are always linked to exploring traditional foods, and that became the main motivation for “Food as Medicine”. A collection of portraits from far (and not so far) places.

“With my portraits, I want to pay tribute to the people who are involved in food production on a small scale and make a living from the 'fruits of their labour'. We often forget how labour intensive it is to handcraft the food we eat, as it was traditionally done not so long ago. Especially in the western world, the connection between food and nature seems to have been lost. I wish to help to restore the relationship between consumers, and its actual source.”

Astrid Schulz is known for creative portraits and documentary work. She has lived and worked in London, since 1994. With a professional background as a costume designer for film & television, she studied photography at the London College of Communication from 2003 to 2005. 

A passionate storyteller, Astrid is interested in exploring what makes a person within the community, by chronicling their idiosyncrasies and thoughts. Her background career in the film industry and her photography assignments mesh perfectly, and her documentary images were once described as 'well-composed stills, as if from a movie set.'

Astrid's work has received multiple awards; her work having been exhibited internationally, including in Vienna, Tbilisi, Phnom Penh, Palermo, Saarbrücken, Tokyo, Hanoi & Hue, St. Louis, London and elsewhere in the UK. In 2022, the images from 'Food as Medicine' were chosen by the leading Vienna Museum, Dom Museum Wien, as part of an exhibition with the title ‘Mahlzeit’ (‘Mealtime’).

Gallery 1885
16 Bowden Street
London SE11 4DS
Mon - Fri 11am - 8pm
Sat - Sun 10am - 6pm

The exhibition opens on 19 March 2024. The Open View is on 21 March @7pm and everybody is welcome to come along.
]]>Fri, 01 Mar 2024 19:45:45 +0000<![CDATA[Portrait of Britain Vol. 6 Winners & Shortlist]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/portrait-of-britain-vol.-6-winners-shortlistBritish Journal of Photography winner Stephen Grant.]]>

Featuring TCC Member Stefon Grant

British Journal of Photography and JCDecaux UK announced the winners of Portrait of Britain Vol. 6, a captivating journey through the diverse faces and stories that define modern Britain.


For the next month, JCDecaux UK digital screens will become a nationwide gallery by displaying winning images by some of the nation’s best portrait photographers, reaching millions of people.


Featured amongst these is an image by our very own Stefon Grant. Stefon stated "The photo is of my niece Nylah and brother in law Rayon, we were shopping in Asda, Old Kent road.


I shot the photo with 35mm SLR - Canon FTb QL, using ilford HP5. Shot at iso 400 and then processed at home in Rodinal at 1:25

It’s part of an on going series that I have with documenting moments with my family and friends, I usually try to bring my camera with me out most times just incase something catches my attention for a photo.


I took three photos at the time and it was last of roll. The final photo that is submitted is from an 8 x 10inch print I made in the darkroom on Ilford RC paper. I then scanned the print and submitted the photo digitally.


Follow him @stephon.grant

 

You can see all the winners here.

]]>Fri, 02 Feb 2024 23:35:44 +0000<![CDATA[Favoured Profiles: Marketa Luskačova]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/photographers-group-favoured-profilesTuesday 11th July was a meeting of the PhotograpHERS group where we had a presentation on several photographers, but featured by our very own Katia Ar ]]>

Featured at The PhotograpHERS group

Tuesday 11th July was a meeting of the PhotograpHERS group where we had a presentation on several photographers, but featured by our very own Katia Artier was the work of Marketa Luskačová.


Markéta Luskačová (born 1944) is a Czech photographer known for her series of photographs taken in Slovakia, Britain and elsewhere. Considered one of the best Czech social photographers to date, since the 1990s she has photographed children in the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and also Poland.


She is married to the photographer Chris Kilip and now lives in London.


Wikipedia Page

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]]>Thu, 13 Jul 2023 20:39:29 +0000<![CDATA[On The Wall: May 2023]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/on-the-wall-may-2023A brand new newsletter from Gallery 1885 at The Camera Club. Every month we will be in touch. We’ll talk about the current exhibition. We’ll talk ]]>

Gallery 1885 News from The Camera Club

A brand new newsletter from Gallery 1885 at The Camera Club. Every month we will be in touch. We’ll talk about the current exhibition. We’ll talk about the next exhibition. We’ll talk about some of the best and most interesting exhibitions to see in London. We’ll maybe talk about other things as well… 

But what we will definitely be doing is sharing some of the most interesting, exciting and inspiring photography around.
Now read on…

Gallery 1885: Stuart Hull

A Peculiar Moment in time

04 June – 01 July

June is Pride Month in the UK, one of the biggest events in the LGBTQIA+ calendar so it is entirely fitting that the next exhibition at Gallery 1885 is “A Peculiar Moment in Time” by Stuart Hull.

Stuart is probably best known for his subtle black and white portraiture, but this project is something of a departure for him. Shot entirely in colour, “A Peculiar Moment in Time - LGBTQIA+ Portraits of London” is an ongoing series of dramatic pictures documenting the queer/LGBTQIA+ community. Authentic, truthful and revealing, the exhibition portrays a combination of what is presented on the outside and what is often hidden on the inside.

The exhibition is opening on 04 June with an Open view on Friday 09 June to which everybody is invited. 

It closes on 01 July which just happens to be Pride in London Day!

So, if you would like to see the diversity, vibrancy and tenderness of expression within the queer/LGBTQIA+ community of London, come along to the exhibition. 

Website: www.aqueerportraitofbritain.co.uk
Instagram: @aqueerportraitofbritain


Avedon: Glamorous | Hamiltons Gallery
17 May – 11 August

If you have never seen the work of Richard Avedon, now is the time to catch up! Whilst Bailey, Donovan and Duffy were tearing up the rule book in the UK back in the Sixties, Richard Avedon was doing exactly the same across the Atlantic. The exhibition  “Avedon: Glamorous” at Hamiltons Gallery is a celebration of his work.


With iconic and rarely seen photographs that focus on glamour, the exhibition shows Avedon’s unique ability to make the most mundane subjects appealing and brings a sophisticated glamour to some of the 20th century’s most notable figures. 

Hamiltons Gallery. 13 Carlos Place, W1K 2EU

Seen Not Heard | Atlas Gallery
18 May – 24 June

We’ve all seen a lot of pictures of children. Smiling, beaming, happy…
The Atlas Gallery have put together an exhibition that perhaps shows a different side of children by some of the most famous and celebrated photographers of the last 150 years.

Featuring some stunning work by Julia Margaret Cameron, Henri Cartier Bresson, Paul Strand, Robert Doisneau, Dorothea Lange, Jacques Henri Lartigue, Roger Mayne and Edward Steichen and others, “Seen Not Heard” is in aid of Save The Children Fund

The Atlas Gallery. 49 Dorset Street, W1U 7NF.

Coming soon, Coming now…

Lost in Los Santos | Enzo Peccinotti | Gallery 1885 | 03 May – 04 June

If you have ever been to Los Angeles, maybe seen a movie or two or have a past life as a car thief, Los Santos may seem a little familiar…

Libertatum | Graduate Show | Copeland Gallery | 07 June – 11 June

Featuring the work of talented club member Diana Crown (plus other graduates), Libertatum is the latest graduate show from The South Bank University. 

Concrete Waves | Espacio Gallery |17 May – 21 May

Take the day off and head for the beach… Club member Vitor Lopes has a brand-new exhibition opening this week. Shot in the studio and all over London, Concrete Waves captures the people and the culture of London Surf and Skate. Pick up some good vibrations? Click here.

And Finally...

Gallery 1885 has a new curator. International narrative photographer (and club member of nine years) Bill Hart-French.

Things are probably going to change…


If you would like to be considered for an exhibition or you have some ideas, get in touch via digital@thecameraclub.co.uk

]]>Mon, 22 May 2023 18:45:00 +0000<![CDATA[Inspiration: Bill Brandt]]>https://www.thecameraclub.co.uk/blog/post/inspiration_bill_brandtFrom Wikipedia:  Bill Brandt  (born  Hermann Wilhelm Brandt ; 2 May 1904 – 20 December 1983)  was a British photographer and  photo ]]>

A British photographer and photojournalist

From Wikipedia: Bill Brandt (born Hermann Wilhelm Brandt; 2 May 1904 – 20 December 1983) was a British photographer and photojournalist. Born in Germany, Brandt moved to England, where he became known for his images of British society for such magazines as Lilliput and Picture Post; later he made distorted nudes, portraits of famous artists and landscapes. He is widely considered to be one of the most important British photographers of the 20th century.


An archive of his work can be found at the official archive: https://www.billbrandt.com/

His profile and various works owned by Moma can be found at https://www.moma.org/artists/740

The V&A hold many of his works and have an introduction to his work found at The V&A Collections

Nude, Baie des Anges, France, 1959

While walking the beaches of northwest France, Brand became aware of the smooth, rounded forms of the beach rocks and how they resembled the human body. Brandt went on to produce many more images like this and became part of a signature set.


Photograph: Bill Brandt Archive

Cuckmere River, Sussex, 1963

Brandt experimented with different angles and shapes to produce more abstract images, he did this with both bodyscape and landscape images.


Photograph: Bill Brandt Archive

East End girl dancing the Lambeth Walk, 1939

"The Lambeth Walk" is a song from the 1937 musical 'Me and My Girl'. The song takes its name from a local street once notable for its street market and working-class culture in Lambeth, an area of London, England.                


Photograph: Bill Brandt Archive

Francis Bacon on Primrose Hill, London, 1963

According to Brandt’s biographer, Paul Delany, Bacon didn’t enjoy the process of being photographed by Brandt, and he hated the picture. The picture was taken in 1963, the jaunty commercial era of Pop Art, and the landmark year in popular culture of the Beatles’ first LP. Yet the portrait’s somber mood, entirely in keeping with Brandt’s earlier high-contrast photographs, feels more like a product of the late 1940s or 1950s.


Photograph: Bill Brandt Archive

East Durham coal searchers, 1937

Coal searchers were people who would sift through the giant slag heaps outside industrial sites in order to find small remnants of coal. They would spend hours sifting through in order to create enough to sell on, or use for fuel at home.
This view of pre-WW2 England was typical of his work at the time and established him as a social documentarian and laid the ground for him more abstract work in the 40s.


Photograph: Bill Brandt Archive

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