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.
| What | Tim Walker: Wonderful People, Michael Hoppen Gallery |
| Where | Michael Hoppen gallery, 3 Jubilee Place, London SW3 3TD, London , SW3 3TD | MAP |
| Nearest tube | Sloane Square (underground) |
| When |
06 Jan 20 – 25 Jan 20, Times vary |
| Price | £0 |
| Website |
