Daily Encounters: Photographs from Fleet Street

As you enter the exhibition check out the cutting remark, by art editor and journalist Hannen Swatter, stating 'In the early days, the press photographer was regarded as an animal almost beneath contempt.'

This may well have been the case, but the irony is that many would argue that little has changed over the years to alter this opinion. Visitors are encouraged to make up their own minds on this, as they look through a varied selection of images over 80 years of Fleet Street photojournalism. There are plenty examples why the featured photographers can be viewed as opportunists praying on easy targets, con artists staging events for their own gain, great communicators and talented artists. As Big Brother is so very fond of saying, 'You decide!'

Ringo Starr arriving for a tonsil operation, London
Fox Photos, 1 December 1964
© Getty Images

The exhibition is centred on the relaunch of the Daily Mirror in 1904, when it became the first newspaper to carry photos on a daily basis, something other newspapers where quick to copy. The story trails off when News International moved to Wapping in 1986, marking the decline of Fleet Street's heyday.

Accompanying captions provide a wonderful insight into the stories behind the images. Often giving a very different portrayal of events than the pictures would have us believe. A classic example of this is the chirpy milkman, seen carrying on a usual whilst trampling through the rubble of the Blitz. In reality the photographer got his assistant to dress up as a milkman, adding an upbeat mood to an image that would otherwise have been censored for undermining wartime morale.

The Sex Pistols, London
By Peter Vernon, 2 December 1976
© Getty Images

Ronald Kray toasting Reggie Kray and Francis Shae at their wedding
By Normal Potter, 1965
© Getty Images

Witness other meticulously stage managed photo opportunities, choreographed to give the illusion of spontaneity, alongside the rise in popularity of the genuine candid snapshot. Hear the entertaining tales of rivalry between various newspaper photographers too, all eager to get the best images published in the fastest time possible.

Alfred Hitchcock with news of another necktie strangling, Evening Standard, London, July 1971
© Getty Images

Of course many famous people soon learnt that by working with photographers they had a great deal to gain. See the shot of Harold Wilson on the beach in his shorts and sandals smoking his trademark pipe as photographers joined him on holiday to show his relaxed and friendly side. Then there's the image, shown right, of Alfred Hitchcock enjoying a spot of shameless self-publicity for his new film.

Royalty, criminals, politicians, sports personalities and filmstars all feature in this eclectic exhibition. Ending poignantly with an image of a young Lady Diana Spencer, reminding us of the insatiable appetite we have for such images and the lengths some people go to get them.

Exhibition ends 21st October 2007
Admission £5
See website for further details