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The Camera Exposed
Every photograph in this display featured at least one camera. From formal portraits to casual snapshots, still-lifes to collages, they appear as reflections or shadows, and sometimes as objects in their own right.
In the age of the mobile phone, the camera as a stand-alone device is disappearing from sight. This display focused on the instrument itself with 120 photographs spanning the 19th century to the present day.
This display is now closed at V&A South Kensington
Display highlights
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'Shopfront, Quai Bourbon, Paris, France', Eugène Atget, about 1900, France. Museum no. PH.2208-1903. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
'Rita Hayworth', Phillippe Halsman, Museum no. PROV.9258-2016. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
'Imogen and Twinka at Yosemite', Judy Dater, Museum no. PROV.9022-2016. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
'John French and Daphne Abrams in a tailored suit', John French, 1957, England. Museum no. E.227-2011. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
'Suzy Parker, dress by Nina Ricci, Champs-Elysée, Paris', Richard Avedon, 1962, France. Museum no. E.1255-1993. © Richard Avedon Foundation -
'Weegee the Famous', Richard Sadler, 1963, England. Museum no. E.2879-1995. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
Vernacular photograph, unknown, 1905-1950. Museum no. LOAN:AMERICANFRIENDS.710:25-2015. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
'Lily Cole with Giant Camera', Tim Walker, 2004. Museum no. E.1140-2008. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London -
'Clementina Maude, 5 Princes Gardens; Photographic Study', Lady Clementina Hawarden, about 1862-1863, England, Museum no. 296-1947. © Victoria and Albert Museum, London
