Britain and Photography: 1945-79 exhibition, Tate Britain 2020
An exhibition of post-war British photography at Tate Britain promises to prove a moving experience
John Gay's images of Britain
Post-war Britain saw incredible change. The empire collapsed, civil rights shot to the fore and the Cold War heated up. A new exhibition, set to open at Tate Britain next year, examines these tumultuous times as captured by photographers between 1945 and 1979.
During this 35-year period Britain was, as now, struggling to redefine itself and its place on the world stage. Seen in the current environment of Brexit, this exhibition might bring some much-needed context.
The period that will be examined at Tate Britain also saw a rise in documentary photographers and huge changes in the illustrated press. The show will include images by famous names and less well-known documentarians, although we don't yet know exactly who is to be included.
What we do know is that the work of John Gay will be on show. Gay, a German-born photographer who left his homeland after Hitler's appointment as chancellor, eventually settled in Highgate, London, taking on commercial and documentary work. He captured images that would come to typify certain ideas of Britishness, such as holidaymakers on Blackpool beach, as well as the country's changing face.
This is set to be a timely and moving exhibition. Mixed with nostalgia and sentiment, will be bitter reminders of conflicts abroad and at home. These years came to define modern Britain and this promises to be a fascinating exhibition. Check back nearer the time for more details.
During this 35-year period Britain was, as now, struggling to redefine itself and its place on the world stage. Seen in the current environment of Brexit, this exhibition might bring some much-needed context.
The period that will be examined at Tate Britain also saw a rise in documentary photographers and huge changes in the illustrated press. The show will include images by famous names and less well-known documentarians, although we don't yet know exactly who is to be included.
What we do know is that the work of John Gay will be on show. Gay, a German-born photographer who left his homeland after Hitler's appointment as chancellor, eventually settled in Highgate, London, taking on commercial and documentary work. He captured images that would come to typify certain ideas of Britishness, such as holidaymakers on Blackpool beach, as well as the country's changing face.
This is set to be a timely and moving exhibition. Mixed with nostalgia and sentiment, will be bitter reminders of conflicts abroad and at home. These years came to define modern Britain and this promises to be a fascinating exhibition. Check back nearer the time for more details.
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| What | Britain and Photography: 1945-79 exhibition, Tate Britain 2020 |
| Where | Tate Britain, Millbank, London, SW1P 4RG | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Pimlico (underground) |
| When |
30 Jun 20 – 27 Sep 20, Open daily 10am – 6pm |
| Price | £tbc |
| Website | Click here for more information |