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We are delighted to exhibit for the first time in London the twentieth century master, Berenice Abbott. Her New York City images have come to define Depression-era New York, as she indulged her 'fantasic passion' and photographed the American metropolis emerging into the twentieth century as the symbol of modern urbanism. The city's contrasts of wealth and poverty, new and old, and all its stubbornly insistent incongruities are interpreted with uncompromising respect for fact.

Berenice Abbott began her photographic career in 1923 as an assistant to Man Ray in his Paris studio. She later established her own portrait studio where she made compelling photographs of the celebrated writers and artists of the day, including Eugene Atget, who, through Abbott's determined efforts, is now recognised as one of history's great photographers.

Returning in 1929, Abbott saw America with a fresh and enriched perspective. She began to photograph the rapidly evolving urban landscape of New York, ultimately resulting in the widely acclaimed documentary project 'Changing New York.' The scenes evoke an exciting combination of objectivity and impassioned realism that is key to the timeless quality of her art.

A master image maker for more than 60 years, Berenice Abbott has had a unique ability to create consistently strong photographs from several disparate realms of experience. Each of Abbott's photographs radiates an aura of enduring discovery; her way of seeing is clear, objective and realistic. Lacking pretension, her photographs possess an intense overall clarity of vision. Berenice Abbott has remained true to her art, stating, 'Photography can never grow up if it imitates some other medium. It has to walk alone; it has to be itself.'

Alongside this major exhibition we are also pleased to present further works from some of legendary photographers of this great city, including Robert Frank, Diane Arbus, William Klein, Ted Croner, Arthur Leipzig, Louis Faurer, Helen Levitt, and many more.

Please contact the gallery for further details and availability of photographs for sale.
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FOR FURTHER PRESS INFORMATION OR IMAGES PLEASE CONTACT JULIENNE WEBSTER ON 020 8969 5433

Exchange Place, NY 1934