Tim Walker: Wonderful People, Michael Hoppen Gallery

One of the fashion highlights of 2019, Tim Walker: Wonderful Things at the V&A is a sight to behold, thanks in no small part to the creative set design by Shona Heath. But, for a more intimate approach to the photographer's work look no further than the Michael Hoppen Gallery in Chelsea.

To those more familiar with his richly constructed fashion fairy-tale images, it might come as a surprise to learn that Walker is a prolific portrait photographer too. This work is touched upon in the V&A's comprehensive exhibition, but it's deserving of a closer look.



Tilda Swinton in exaggerated collar, fashion: Giorgio Armani. Reykjavik, Iceland 2011 © Tim Walker


Tim Walker: Wonderful People is an opportunity to see the art of portraiture taken to creative extremes, as the photographer marries documentary and editorial photography to create a narrative style all of its own.

The subjects featured span the worlds of fashion, film and literature including such luminaries as Kate Moss, Helena Bonham Carter, Marion Cotillard, Claire Foy and Tilda Swinton as well as the late Alexander McQueen and Judy Blame.



Claire Foy, Smoking Queen, fashion: Alexander McQueen. London, 2017 © Tim Walker studio


Many of the images are assignments from magazines including Vogue, i-D and Sunday Times Style now given a well-deserved new perspective in this larger-format presentation and in the context of the body of work.

Unsurprisingly, fashion plays an integral role in many of the images, providing character, prop and narrative as well as mere decoration.



Kate Moss, fashion: Christian Dior Haute Couture. The tapestry room, Houghton Hall, 2012 © Tim Walker studio

This is the first private gallery exhibition of Walker's photography, and provides a worthy partner to the V&A's show. The exhibition closes on 25 January, and is well worth a visit in its final weeks.

For more information, including opening times, visit the Michael Hoppen Gallery website here.