Dreamy British seaside towns

The Swinging Sixties in London by Dorothy Bohm. 

14th March – 28th April 2013, Proud Chelsea

This prolific female photographer has been in the spotlight within the last year. Prior to Proud Gallery in Chelsea her images were part of a group show at Tate Britain, and recently at the Museum of London. 

St. Paul's Church

After seeing Bohm’s images in the Another London exhibition, I was pleased to get a glimpse of her records of London in the 60s. The Proud Gallery features a diverse selection of the Prussian born photographer’s black & white pictures. From Petticoat Market to St George’s Church I follow her images of curious window shoppers. In 1960s, also known as the ‘swinging sixties’ was a liberating time in London. Its radical culture and fashion left a defining mark in the history of fashion. Today it's still regarded as a highly inspirational period. 

Mount Street

Observing her photographs I delve into the world of character and sincerity. Bohm is a wanderer, who captures naturally occurring life on the streets of London. Her photographs remind me of pioneering photojournalists’ work such as Henri Cartier-Bresson, Andre Kertesz and Lewis Heine, who documented the social landscape of Paris, London and New York. Bohm is also known as one of the most influential people in the history 
of British photography having co-founded
the Photographers’ Gallery and Focus Gallery. 

Petticoat Lane

I often think of the streets of London as a stage. Here, Bohm captures the eclectic scene that is characteristic of the different parts of the capital. Her images take us on a journey in her home city: London and its grandiose buildings, bohemian markets and its unique style to children at play. I am especially fond of the layers on her images, as seen her image ‘Mount Street’. It's also interesting to note the way she juxtaposes different elements of the city, advertisements and unexpected moments. 

I leave the gallery thinking how much London has changed and what has remained. 

What do you like about Dorothy Bohm's photography?

Please comment and share below. 

Pictures: the courtesy of Proud Chelsea Gallery

http://proudonline.co.uk/exhibitions

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A retrospective of my work inspired by Tate Britain's Looking at the View exhibition.