Olympus UK Press Release

Unique images by David Bailey, Amanda DeCadenet, Richard Billingham and the late Lord Lichfield will be hung side-by-side for the first time in what will arguably be the most diverse range of photography ever exhibited in the UK.

The Olympus Inheritance Exhibition (to be held at The Music Room in Mayfair 17th-18th February 2006) will showcase the work of 22 photographers, from the legendary to the up-and-coming. Most genres of photography will be on show, including: celebrity, landscape, fashion, nature, macro, erotic and reportage. Yet despite their obvious differences in subject matter they share a mutual affiliation - to a manufacturer which has been making cameras for more than 70 years.

“The theme Inheritance is essentially a celebration of image makers over the decades. Mine and all the works on show are contemporary and were shot over the last 12 months on Olympus’ E-System range of Digital SLR cameras.

“This current system is easier to use and more accessible than ever before but still owes a great deal to the heritage of photographers, whether it be those who first used plate photography or 35mm film pioneers,” said reportage specialist and contributor to BBC’s Picture of Britain, Nick Danziger.

From Jill Furminovsky’s backstage shots of Oasis, to the reportage of French collective Documentography, featuring Hodge Award winning Guilhem Alandry, the imagery on display will span a multitude of photographic disciplines. Bob Carlos-Clarke’s trademark erotic work will sit alongside photojournalism by Nick Danziger, whilst David Bailey’s shots of ‘big city’ landscapes will be juxtaposed with Chris Bonington’s documentation of his expeditions.

A special tribute will be paid to Lord Patrick Lichfield, a keen supporter of Olympus, who provided some typically provoking and serene shots of his trip to Dubai.

Following a VIP gala evening on Thursday 16th February the exhibition will be open to the public on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th February 2006 between 10am and 6pm. Entry will be free of charge. On the Saturday a special public workshop will be held for the first ten guests through the door with the prominent “storm-chaser” Mark Humpage, who has contributed some stunning shots of his adventures following tornadoes and hurricanes around the USA.

Graeme Chapman, MD of Olympus UK, said: “We have gathered together an eclectic mix of photographers for the exhibition and the images we have received are a testament to their skill and eye for capturing a moment. We hope as many people as possible will visit The Music Room and take advantage of this opportunity to view this unseen work by many of the World’s most celebrated photographers.”

Following the dates in London the Olympus Inheritance Exhibition will be touring nationwide visiting photographic colleges across the country so don’t miss your chance to see it.

Full list of contributing photographers:

Amanda de Cadenet - Amelia Troubridge - Bob Carlos-Clarke - Barry Lategan - Chris Bonington   Cleveland Aaron - Cody Burridge - David Bailey - Dennis Morris - Dr Furness

Duncan Cubitt – Documentography - James Gooding - Jill Furmanovsky - John Swannell

Jon Nicholson - Lord Patrick Lichfield - Mary McCartney-Donald - Mark Humpage - Nick Danziger - Paul Plews   Ranulph Fiennes - Richard Billingham

Full dates of exhibition:
Feb 16th: VIP Gala Night (invite only)

Feb 17th – Feb 18th: The Music room, 26 South Molton Lane, Mayfair

Feb 28th – Mar 3rd: Reading College

Mar 7th – Mar 12th: Bournemouth University

Mar 14th – Mar 19th: University of Wolverhampton

Mar 21st – Mar 26th: Nottingham Trent University

Mar 28th – Apr 2nd: Blackpool and The Flyde Photographic College

About The Olympus E-System
All the images in The Olympus Inheritance Exhibition were taken on the Olympus E-System range of cameras and accessories. As the only completely digital system, based on the TIPA Award winning Four Thirds Standard, the Olympus E-System series of camera bodies, interchangeable lenses, external flash systems and other accessories provides professionals and serious amateurs alike with the excellence they demand.