The Photographers' Gallery — Attraction in London

If you are into photography, don't visit this place! I live in London and I regularly visit photo museums, exhibitions and galleries all over the world. I have given this place the benefit of doubt many times, but I am sorry to say that it has disappointed me on most occasions and I was out again in 10 minutes. The gallery does not focus on photography, it is only interested in exploring the fringes of photography. The exhibitions feel far fetched and pretentious (screen shots from computer games!!!??? really?) The floors are very small already but on top of that the exhibitions are very fragmented with too many topics covered and too few and too small photographs for each photographer. Usually the names of these mostly famous and highly regarded photographers are very prominent on advertisements, to lure people in and to find only a handful of small pictures in the actual exhibition is very disappointing. Despite the lack of space they always seem to find space to exhibit things other than photographs (documents etc). I seriously question the capability of the people curating these exhibitions and would question whether their desperate need to appear "artsy" is greater than their love for actual photography. I would recommend them visiting the shop in the basement, which is the best part of the gallery and holds an excellent collection of books, equipment and paraphernalia. Maybe this can provide some inspiration for what the next exhibition...

The exhibition of pictures taken by the Italian photographer Letizia Battaglia are striking evidence of her incessant work to document what was happening in Sicily in the 70s, an era in which the Mafia was a parallel state within a state, where politicians and magistrates were executed ruthlessly and the families were seeing every day acts of violence, even torture, inflicted on their relatives, children included. This body of work was published in the newspaper called L’ora, a local paper in Palermo, and the images are showing the reality of the daily traumas and little boys of the Sicilian people. They are incredible pictures, in some of them is difficult to refrain from crying or despair, such is the unavoidable, emotional response of any observer that has a conscience once they realise what they are seeing is political and not merely esthetic. Each and every image demands attention, and makes you want to look at it again and again to comprehend the bestiality of what was happening. It is a must see, but beware : those images will...

A great secret spot to know about, perched just behind the UK's busiest street. I’m fairly new to photography as a medium, but I feel that The Photographer’s Gallery is accessible to both professionals and casual observers alike. Entry was just £2, and I happily spent several hours exploring the different collections, which are refreshed regularly, so you get a different experience every time. On my visit, I was particularly drawn to the fascinating Shirley Baker exhibition of the shifting scene of Northern England in the 1960s and 1970s – which was nicely complemented by the more contemporary exhibition on music culture – I really feel there is something for everyone. I’d also recommend the bookshop tucked downstairs; perfect for coffee table gifts, with a range matching the exhibitions, and for general interest. Don’t forget to stop by the café, a peaceful place with great tea(!) - to reflect on the...