Get snap happy and join the V&A to celebrate the new annual display in the V&A Photography Gallery, which features works from the 1840s to the present day. Explore all things photographic at workshops, artists’ portrait studios, and talks by leading contemporary practitioners and curators. Enjoy a rare opportunity to exhibit your own photographic masterpiece at the Photo Swap Shop.
All events are free and drop-in, unless otherwise indicated.
Filming and photography will be taking place at this event.
From Daguerreotypes to Digital: A V&A Photography Trail
Journey through the history of photography and to the furthest corners of the museum on our fun photo trail, answering questions along the way. Try to finish in a flash – the first 200 visitors to return a correct answer sheet will win a set of limited edition postcards by contemporary photographers Tess Hurrell, Sarah Pickering, Marjolaine Ryley, Jem Southam and Eva Stenram.
Road Dreams by Elliott Bristow
Running Time: 51 mins (13 short films)
Join Elliot Bristow on a colourful 500,000 mile American road trip through 13 short films shot on the Super 8 in the days when gas could be got for 33 cents a gallon.
Photo Swap Shop
For one night only a rare chance to exhibit your work at the V&A! Contribute one of your own photographs to this display, and win someone else’s at the end of the evening.
Please note photographs cannot be returned to contributors, so only take part in this event if you are happy to part with your photograph.
Camera Obscura by Nilu Izadi
Step inside Nilu Izadi’s enchanting installation, a precursor of modern photography, to view the projection of Lawrence Macdonald’s marble monument to Emily Georgiana.
Green, Green Glass of Home by Liz Rideal
Pose for your portrait in a photo studio created especially for Flash! Friday Late by contemporary artist Liz Rideal and inspired by her collection of green glass, and the relationship between her still life of nasturtiums and that by Henri Fantin-Latour, both in the V&A collection. Both images use colour, repetition and implied movement to underpin their compositions, likewise her studio installation will use these means to create the perfect backdrop for the portrait sittings.
Opulent Dreaming by Neeta Madahar
Pose for your portrait in a shimmering photo studio created especially for Flash! Friday Late by contemporary artist Neeta Madahar, inspired by her love of the glamorous portraits by Cecil Beaton in the V&A’s collection. Lighting by Vicki Churchill and styling by Jennifer Anyan.
Film Canister Jewellery
Transform old film canisters into fabulous, flashy pieces of jewellery.
Carnival Cut Outs
Bring your camera and pose with your friends as famous works from the V&A collection. These custom made carnival cut outs by artists Phil Sofer and Wayne Chisnall are a quirky take on the old-fashioned seaside attraction.
Talks and Behind the Scenes
Jem Southam and Sarah Pickering in Conversation with Martin Barnes
Photographers Jem Southam and Sarah Pickering discuss their differing photographic practices and their engagement with the British landscape, both natural and constructed. This illustrated discussion is led by Martin Barnes, V&A Senior Curator of Photographs. Works by Sarah Pickering and Jem Southam are currently on display in the V&A Photography Gallery.
Places are limited. Entrance to this talk is on a first come first served basis.
Elliott Bristow on Road Dreams
Elliott Bristow’s Road Dreams film diary – how a two week holiday to New York in 1968 turned into a 14 year, 500,000 mile road trip around America. Elliott will relate some of his experiences during that time and show short films taken from the 75hrs of his Super 8 film diary.
Photography and the Designed World
What role does photography play in defining and expanding our conceptions of fashion, design and architecture? Join V&A Curator of Designs, Abraham Thomas, in a behind-the-scenes exploration of photographs from the museum’s collection.
