The National Portrait Gallery houses the finest collection of portraits in the world. Camille Silvy was a pioneer of early photography and one of the greatest French photographers of the nineteenth century. This exhibition includes many remarkable images which have not been exhibited since the 1860s.
Through 125 works that focus on a ten-year creative burst from 1857-67, working in Algiers, rural France, Paris and London, this exhibition illustrates how Silvy pioneered many now familiar branches of the medium including theatre, fashion and military photography.
Working under the patronage of Queen Victoria, Silvy photographed royalty, statesmen, aristocrats, celebrities and beauties. He also portrayed uncelebrated people – the professional classes, businessmen and the country gentry, their wives, children and servants. The results, shown here together for the first time, offer a unique glimpse into 19th century Paris and Victorian London through the eyes of one of its most innovative photographers.
Admission: Adult £5.00.
Offer Times: 15 July - 24 Oct. Sat - Wed 10.00 - 16.30; Thur & Fri 10.00 - 19.30.
Visit Time: 1 hour.
Telephone: 020 7312 2463.
Dates: 15/07/2010 - 24/10/2010
County: London
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