See the world in focus: five must-see photography collections
While snapping selfies in our daily lives has become second nature, dive deeper into the art and history of photography at one of these museums and galleries.
Since the birth of the camera phone in 2000, taking pictures has gradually become a part of our daily lives as we compulsively capture ourselves and the minutiae of the world around us. But did you know that the technologies that enabled us to take photographs first appeared in the early 1800s, with the invention of the daguerreotype, a magical process capturing images onto silver-plated copper.
Want to learn about the fascinating history and artistry behind photography? We've highlighted five museums and galleries across the UK with brilliant collections and exhibitions dedicated to the image-making medium.
Looking to make savings too? Pack a National Art Pass to get great benefits at every venue.
Where can I see photography with a National Art Pass?
Open Eye Gallery
One of the first spaces in the UK dedicated to photography, Liverpool's Open Eye Gallery has been championing the medium since 1977 through exhibitions, publications, festivals, educational courses and much more. They operate on the belief that photography is for everyone and that it has the power to create meaningful change in society. Don't miss their independent bookshop, brimming with books, magazines and cameras of every shape and size.
V&A South Kensington
The V&A has accrued one the largest photography collections in the world; unsurprising, as the the V&A's first director Henry Cole was a great supporter of the art of photography, starting the collection in 1856. The Photography Centre at the V&A, which opened in 2018, contains an incredible collection of images, with over 800,000 photographs dating from the 1820s to the present and incorporating the Royal Photographic Society (RPS) Library.
The Photographers' Gallery
London's largest public gallery dedicated to the medium of photography is based in a central five storey building. It was the first public gallery in the country to exhibit international names including Sebastião Salgado and Taryn Simon, as well as UK-based photographers such as Martin Parr, Zineb Sedira and Corinne Day. Since 1997, The Photographers' Gallery has supported groundbreaking contemporary photographic talent through the annual Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation Prize (currently on until 15 June) – and is host to regular temporary exhibitions such as a retrospective of one of the leading colour photographers of the 20th century in Peter Mitchell: Nothing Lasts Forever and Planetary Portals: I am in your dreams but you are not in mine, which examines archival photography and AI.
National Galleries Scotland: Portrait
Formally established in 1984 with a remit to collect Scottish and international photographs, the Scottish National Photography Collection has developed a world-class holding of early photography dating back to the 1840s. Housed in the National Galleries Scotland: Portrait, the collection includes important works by David Octavius Hill and Robert Adamson. Last year, the gallery unveiled a recent photograph of Doctor Who, Barbie and Sex Education star Ncuti Gatwa, captured by Robert Wilson.
Martin Parr Foundation
Supporting and promoting photography from the British Isles through exhibitions and events and preserving the archive and legacy of Martin Parr, the Foundation houses a growing collection of photographic material such as prints, book dummies (which are final mock-ups of books prior to printing) and portfolios, as well the extensive archives of photographers David Hurn and Chris Killip, and curator Val Williams. Events include public artist talks and educational workshops.
The more you see, the more we do.
The National Art Pass lets you enjoy free entry to hundreds of museums, galleries and historic places across the UK, while raising money to support them.