Photography News | Issue 65 | photographynews.co.uk
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Profile
“In May 1892 a number of influential photographers broke away from the Royal Photographic Society in protest against its emphasis on science and technology at the expense of other aspects of photography. “They set up the Linked Ring Brotherhood to promote artistic photography and held the first Photographic Salon in 1893. However, following a number of disputes about selection procedures, the London Salon of Photography was created.” Membership of the London Salon is by invitation from existing
members. Those invited will have supported the Salon for some time, had their work accepted on a regular basis and normally won a Salon Medal. Membership is free and there are currently 45 members, although there is no limit on the number of members. Roger Ford’s 2017 invitation was the culmination of a long-held ambition. He said: “Ever since I had my first acceptances and realised the Salon was where my style of work was appreciated, I had wanted to become a member. I like the way it particularly values new work with modern creative ideas.
“The exhibition, which tours the UK and is open to all photographers, does a great job in encouraging high- quality pictorial prints.” Members all agree that the Salon plays a significant role in encouraging creativity and pushing forward the boundaries of photographic work. David Lowe, a member for eight years, said: “The London Salon expects its members to produce images consistently to a very high standard, so we are always looking for new ideas. This drives you on to be a better photographer.” Anne Sutcliffe, a member of 12 years, described how the Salon supported originality. She said: “The Salon is known to accept images that do notmeet the formulaic fashions of the time. “A highly original image will be accepted if the quality is good enough, encouragingphotographers to enter new work, which might not be accepted in other exhibitions. For many, having an acceptance in the Salon is a high point in their photographic life; winning a medal is a bonus.” The Salon is also looking to the future. Colin New, a member since 2000, commented: “Being amember brings a responsibility to ensure that the Salon remains relevant and healthy for the next generation. We have to seek new members to invite, photographers who will take the Salon forward towards the next 100 years. While we need to be aware of our history, we have to change and adapt if we’re to remain relevant.”
Enter the 2019 London Salon of Photography
The exhibition does a great job in encouraging high-quality pictorial prints
Each entrant may submit up to four monochrome and four colour prints of which a maximumof two from each sectionmay be selected. Up to ten special London Salon Medals are awarded each year to non-Salonmembers. Every entrant receives an A4 colour catalogue displaying all of the accepted prints and also has the opportunity to purchase a photobook. Accepted prints will be displayed at The Burt Gallery in London, from 13 to 23 August (weekdays only) and will tour in Birmingham, Edinburgh and Ireland. The closing date for entry is 20May 2019. For full details of online entry, rules and exhibition dates, see londonsalon.org or email secretary@thelondonsalon.org
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