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Photo London returns to Somerset House for its landmark tenth edition from 15-18 May 2025 (with a Preview Day on 14 May), celebrating a decade as the UK's leading photography fair while coinciding with Somerset House's 25th anniversary as an international arts destination.

Tenth Anniversary Special Exhibition
The centerpiece of Photo London's tenth anniversary celebration will be "London Lives," a special exhibition curated by Francis Hodgson that honors the city's rich photographic heritage. Hosted in Somerset House's Embankment East & West Galleries, this ambitious showcase will feature works from approximately 30 leading photographers who have captured London's essence, including David Bailey, James Barnor, Idris Khan, and Mary McCartney. Rather than naming a single Master of Photography as in previous years, the exhibition positions the city of London itself as the honorary master, celebrating the extraordinary wealth of photographic talent that has documented its ever-evolving identity, diverse communities, and cultural energy.

Global Photography Galleries
The world of photography has flourished through dedicated exhibition spaces that showcase the medium's diverse artistic expressions. Fraenkel Gallery in San Francisco stands as a pillar of photographic excellence, having presented approximately 300 exhibitions featuring luminaries like Diane Arbus and Hiroshi Sugimoto since its establishment in 1979.
In New York, galleries like Yossi Milo and Fotografiska have become essential destinations for photography enthusiasts, with the latter offering a modern museum experience in a 45,000-square-foot former Church Missions House.

Beyond America, Europe boasts remarkable photographic institutions including Paris's Magnum Photos, which houses over one million photographs in its legendary archive. London's Photographers' Gallery-the UK's first and largest public gallery dedicated exclusively to photography-spans five floors in central London and showcases both established and emerging talent. For those seeking global photography experiences, annual events like Paris Photo at the Grand Palais and the FORMAT International Photography Festival in Derby, UK offer immersive opportunities to engage with contemporary photographic themes through exhibitions, portfolio reviews, and artist talks.

David Bailey Retrospective
At Photo London 2025, Dellasposa Gallery will present a solo exhibition of David Bailey's work, showcasing rare and iconic photographs from his illustrious six-decade career. The presentation will highlight Bailey's defining photographic ethos: uncompromising minimalism fused with visceral authenticity, featuring works that demonstrate his unflinching eye and technical mastery.

Bailey's work will also feature prominently in the special exhibition "London Lives," underscoring his enduring influence on contemporary photography. Known for revolutionizing fashion photography with his stark black and white backgrounds, closely cropped shots, and sharp lighting, Bailey captured the zeitgeist of 1960s London and beyond. His portraits of cultural icons-from The Rolling Stones and The Beatles to supermodels like Jerry Hall and Cara Delevingne-have become defining images of their respective eras. Bailey's contribution to visual culture earned him a CBE in 2001 and a Lifetime Achievement award from the International Center of Photography in 2016, cementing his status as one of Britain's greatest living photographers.

Accommodation: Hotel Indigo London Paddington
For guests attending Photo London 2025, Hotel Indigo London Paddington offers a stylish and convenient base in the heart of the city. Just a short tube ride from Somerset House via the Bakerloo Line, the hotel blends Victorian charm with contemporary comfort, featuring boutique rooms, rainfall showers, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, and an on-site fitness centre.

Situated next to Paddington Station, Hotel Indigo provides quick access to Heathrow Airport via the Heathrow Express and is surrounded by a vibrant local scene of cafes, Hyde Park, and historic London architecture. Whether you're exploring the exhibitions or unwinding after a day at the fair, Hotel Indigo promises a comfortable and character-filled stay.