From May 15 to 18, 2025, Photo London celebrated its tenth edition under the glass roof of Somerset House, once again solidifying its position as an essential event for contemporary photography. Since its creation in 2015 by Michael Benson and Fariba Farshad, the fair has established itself as an international hub, bringing together artists, galleries, collectors, and enthusiasts of the art form.
An anniversary edition packed with new features
To mark its tenth anniversary, Photo London 2025 offered an ambitious program, blending major exhibitions, discoveries of emerging talents, and strong editorial initiatives. Directed this year by Sophie Parker, the edition aimed to amplify diverse photographic voices, with a particular focus on women artists and underrepresented communities.
“London Lives”, a visual tribute to the capital
A highlight of this edition, the "London Lives" exhibition, curated by Francis Hodgson, brought together the works of more than thirty iconic photographers who captured the ever-changing essence of London. Among them, David Bailey, Mary McCartney, James Barnor, Hannah Starkey, Idris Khan, and Karen Knorr offered a mosaic of perspectives on the global city, exploring its multiple cultural, social, and architectural realities.
Focus on emerging talents
The "Discovery" and "Positions" sections have once again demonstrated their essential role in showcasing emerging artists. Curated by Charlotte Jansen, the Discovery section highlighted bold practices, such as Bee Gats's raw portraits and Carali McCall's physical performances. Positions, meanwhile, provided artists supported by committed collectors with greater visibility.
A renewed editorial commitment
Another new feature of this edition was the launch of a "Book Market" entirely dedicated to independent publishers. Houses such as Soft Copy, Pamplemousse, and Sun Archive presented their latest publications, revealing the richness and dynamism of contemporary photographic publishing. This was a powerful gesture to reaffirm the importance of the photobook as a creative art form.
An inclusive and committed program
Over the four days of the fair, a packed program of conferences and roundtables fostered dialogue around crucial themes: the history of queer photography, the representation of Black British communities, invisible narratives, and the contemporary challenges facing the photographic medium. These discussions, led by critics, curators, and artists, provided a reflective interlude at the heart of the festival.
An edition true to the spirit of London
Celebrating its tenth anniversary, Photo London 2025 reaffirmed its role as a dynamic, inclusive, and international platform dedicated to photography in constant evolution. Through its exhibitions, talks, and curatorial choices, the fair successfully fostered a dialogue between heritage and innovation, offering a thoughtful perspective on the complexities of the contemporary urban world and the images that illuminate it.
