Photo Galleries in London

Visit a London Photo Gallery Free of Charge

Oct 13, 2009

If you're looking for cheap things to do in London, why not visit one of the capital's photo galleries.

The popularity of photography as an art form in the early 20th century forced artists to re-invent their profession and revolutionised European art. Talented and invented artists like Pablo Picasso and George Braque created cubism which further inspired music and literature. Several years later came the birth of the Dada movement which was the beginnings of a change in attitude towards conventional art and became a major influence in the history of artistic culture.

In today's world, snapshots are taken all the time and in a matter of seconds capture a single moment. They can tell countless stories, be admired for their beauty, create feelings of nostalgia, or simply cherished in a frame. London has several fascinating photo galleries for visitors to explore and all are free of charge.

Visit the Studio of the famous Getty Images

Located on Eastcastle Street just off Oxford Street, Getty Images is perhaps the most famous photographing house in the world thanks to its esteem and popularity with the press which has seen it projected directly into the public eye via the internet. The sleek and spacious interior is adorned with prints and photos that mainly focus on the film and music industries. Exhibitions are periodically changed and accompanied with detailed descriptions about the photographs on display together with thoughts and insights.

The photographers Gallery in London

The Photographers Gallery is the largest public photo gallery in London and also holds talks and events - some for a nominal fee of £3.50/£5.00 ($5.50/$8), others free of charge. Booking for events is advised so check the Photographers Gallery website for details.

Tucked away on Ramillies Street off Oxford Street (between Hill Street and Poland Street) the intimate photograph specialists harbour three floors of some of the finest photography you're likely to see. The exhibitions on display in the ground floor gallery periodically changes whilst the 2nd floor is mostly dominated by fashion shoots. Upstairs is a small room offering print sales.

The gallery also has a small gift shop and a cafeteria selling sandwiches, cakes and light refreshments. The physically impaired should note there is only wheelchair access to the ground floor gallery.

Opening hours: 11.00-18.00 Tues, Wed, Sat, 11.00-20.00 Thurs-Fri, 12.00-20.00 Sun

Proud Galleries

The Proud galleries focus their exhibitions on photographs of famous faces from the silver screen, but are predominantly swayed towards rock stars. Within walking distance of both Camden Tube station and Chalk Farm Proud Camden is situated in the heart of the Stables Market. The grade II listed building was once a hospital for horses and now doubles as a leading gallery for contemporary art and unique, uber-trendy music venue featuring DJ's and staging a string of eclectic gigs to a tuned in audience.

A second, smaller and less formidable gallery once housed in the city near Charring Cross but is being uprooted and upgraded to Chelsea's trendy King's Road and opens late November 2009. In the new location the displays have the potential to rival their sister gallery.

Proud Galleries, The Horse Hospital, Chalk Farm, Road NW1 8AH and 161 Kings Road, Chelsea, London, SW3 5TX

The copyright of the article Photo Galleries in London in England Travel is owned by Richard Oldale. Permission to republish Photo Galleries in London in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.