Today the Museum of London Docklands released 16 hybrid photographs showing ‘then and now’ views of London and its most iconic bridges across the ages.
The 16 ghostly images, which juxtapose historic views with their present day perspective, have been created using photographs showcased in Museum of London Docklands’ new art exhibition Bridge, opening on Friday 27 June.
The original photographs were taken by renowned late 19th and 20th century photographers, including Henry Grant, Henry Turner, Sandra Flett, Christina Broom, Roger Mayne and George Davison Reid. They depict locations and vistas in London that have changed dramatically in the intervening years. These include Tower Bridge c. 1903-10; the demolition of Old Waterloo Bridge c. 1934; Albert Bridge c. late 19th century; London Bridge c.1937; and the view of London’s skyline from Tower Bridge c.1930.
Francis Marshall, curator of Bridge at Museum of London Docklands, said: “To be on a bridge is to really see London and their distinctive architecture adds to the rich texture of the cityscape. The museum’s photography collection pieces together a stunning visual history of London, with street scenes and the capital’s bridges at the very heart of it. Contrasting historic shots with those of today allows us to see how the city has changed over time. Or in some cases, how it has remained the same.”
Bridge is the latest art exhibition to be staged at the Museum of London Docklands. Drawing on the museum’s significant art collections, the exhibition features rarely seen contemporary and historical artworks, alongside photography and film to consider the significance of bridges within London’s landscape. The exhibition also includes exciting loans from artists at work today, including Carey Young, William Raban and adventure photographer, Lucinda Grange.
From Hungerford to Blackfriars, Westminster and Millennium; Bridge looks at how London’s bridges allow people to move around and experience the city. Through Thomas Heatherwick’s ambitious ‘Garden Bridge’ design, it also considers the future of London’s river crossings. The exhibition runs from Friday 27 June to Sunday 2 November 2014.