Vivian Maier, Beetles + Huxley

It's one of the most extraordinary stories in the history of photography this display of Vivian Maier’s stunning work at Beetles + Huxley is a must-see exhibition this summer.

Who is Vivian Maier? Biography...

Born in New York in 1926, Maier worked as a nanny in Chicago for 40 years, secretly capturing the world around her on film in her spare time. No one had a clue about Maier’s passion for photography and her outstanding talent went unrecognised during her lifetime.

Maier’s vast collection of over 100,000 negatives and undeveloped film rolls lay hidden in storage lockers for decades, undiscovered until after her death. Finally, in 2007, a chance blind-bid at a Chicago auction introduced the world to the photographic works of Vivian Maier, and finally brought her incredible images into the light!

Having been exhibited around the world, Maier’s work is at last receiving the international acclaim it deserves. Maier herself is now widely celebrated as one of the great photographers of the twentieth century, alongside the likes of Brassai and Cartier-Bresson.

Vivian Maier photography & exhibition highlights

Showcasing many photographs that have never been seen in London before, the exhibition includes some of Maier’s most fascinating images, from her street photography to her self-portraits.

Maier documented all facets of city life in post-war America, photographing the young and the old, the rich and the poor. Her images are humorous and intelligent, and at times incredibly moving, with a unique ability to convey a powerful sense of empathy.

The images on display, which have been lovingly handprinted from the photographer’s original negatives, invite us to explore Maier’s New York and Chicago.

We can’t wait to see what’s in store, and we can’t recommend this exhibition highly enough.