There are only a few days to go until a new major photography exhibition at the Museum of London, opening on 11th May, will unveil a darker side to London.
Running until 11th November, London Nights explores the capital after dark. Using a fusion of historical, conceptual and contemporary imagery, nocturnal London will be explored like never before; from the evening commute, to the glittering club scene and the city’s ‘darker underbelly’.
The photography will reflect every corner of London from the brightly lit centre to the outer reaches of the city.
London Nights merges together over 200 pieces of work from admired photographers, both past and present, including Nick Turpin, Rut Blees Luxemburg, Tish Murtha, Bill Brandt and Alvin Langdon Coburn.
The displays draw from the museum’s own extensive photographs collection and a number of significant loans.
London Nights delves into the dark through three sections, the first being London Illuminated. From the early 19th century to today, this section explores the bright lights of the capital and reflects on how artificial light can transform the aesthetic of the city after dark.
Secondly, and traversing the capital’s unknown, Dark Matters sets foot into a world of darkness, and explores themes of threat and vulnerability, both real and imagined.
The final part of the exhibition, Switch On Switch Off, shows people interacting with the night, whether that be following commuters on their way home, to work and into the fast paced world of London’s nightlife.
Additional displays
In addition to the exhibition, the Museum of London will be hosting two free displays which explore the city after dark through the eyes of its residents.
Dark Corners exhibits winning entries from a competition revealing north, south, east, west and central London at night and from new perspectives. Night Visions explores nocturnal imagery by post-graduate photography students from London College of Communication and Royal College of Art.
Groups receive discounted exhibition tickets and can also book an introductory tour with the exhibition curator.
For further information visit www.museumoflondon.org.uk/londonnights
