With impressive new premises on Jermyn Street in central London, the new Centre for British Photography aims to create a new focal space and platform for photographers. The centre will hold exhibitions, events and talks. It is also collaborating with universities and institutions in establishing programmes, courses and projects. Its shop, also in situ, sells a selection of prints and books. In all, this new centre feels like an important step forward for British photography, offering a unique platform, and we welcome its arrival.
The Centre for British Photography opened on the 26th January with a packed private view. Founding Director James Hyman gave an inaugural speech. Included amongst the works on show, there are several Shirley Baker’s photographs and her work is also highlighted in a dedicated ‘In Focus’ space. Called Street Life, the collection centres around Shirley’s street imagery and children at play in the street. There are also some lesser known of Shirley’s works displayed around the gallery.
The opening exhibition flows over the three gallery floors with different spaces given over to the various exhibitions and two collections commissioned by the Hyman Collection. It is the intention of James and Claire Hyman to elevate the status of British photography, shine a spotlight on its achievements and create a space for the work of photographers to be exhibited and offered for sale too. It is an exciting development for British photography and we wish it well.
The exhibition is on at The Centre for British Photography, 49 Jermyn Street, London SW1Y 6LX. The exhibitions are free to visit.
