A first look at the new Leica store
Following a glittering launch party last night, take a look inside the new Mayfair flagship store
Words: Anna Galbraith
It’s estimated that more than 1.2 trillion photos were taken in the last year alone. Ninety-five million are posted to Instagram alone each day. But, while the age-old compulsion to record moments is as strong as ever, the way we share the results is changing.
What won’t change, however, is the impact of a truly powerful picture. Leica is on a mission to celebrate mankind’s passion for photography and, for more than 40 years, the company has produced and facilitated some of the greatest art on Earth.
One of the most highly anticipated features of the brand’s new Duke Street store — the first ever Leica Gallery to be established in the UK — is that it will exhibit work from some of the world’s photography greats.
Last night, the grand opening was marked with a show celebrating great British photography at its most chic. The exhibition, entitled ‘True Glamour/True Grit’, brings together sparkling fashion images by Terence Donovan, Brian Duffy, Terry O’Neill and John Swannell, all shot between the 1960s and 1980s.
Exhibitions to follow this inaugural show will feature celebrated photographic icons who have been dedicated Leica users for decades — alongside contemporary, up-and-coming photographers. The Leica Gallery will also host powerful collections of work from winners and participants from the renowned Leica Oskar Barnack Award competition, which is held annually.
Amongst the guests at the launch party was the judge of our Leica x Gentleman’s Journal competition, Alan Schaller (far right)
The Mayfair store will also provide a 360-degree experience for photography amateurs, enthusiasts and professionals. Designed to focus on the customer experience, the new store will be the go-to UK destination to learn about and experience the highest level of photography.
Looking for a little photography inspiration? Take a look at the winners of our Leica photography competition…
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