Tim Walker: Wonderful Things – V&A

Over the years I’ve marvelled at beautiful, ethereal photoshoots in Vogue and other fashion magazines created by esteemed, innovative fashion photographer Tim Walker. I’m still trying to remember whether I got to his exhibition at the Bowes Museum in 2013 (if I didn’t I’d be annoyed with myself). So when I saw that an exhibition of his work was coming to the V&A in September it went straight on my list alongside figuring out how to get a ticket for Dior there before it closes (I will find a way).

After graduating from Exeter College of Art in 1994, Walker worked as a photography assistant in London before moving to New York to be an assistant to legendary photographer Richard Avedon. He came back to London and shot his first shoot for Vogue at just 25. His first major exhibition was at London’s Design Museum in 2008, followed by his Story Teller exhibition at Somerset House in 2012. For over ten years his work, featuring extravagant staging and romantic, fantastical themes has enraptured Vogue readers all over the world. In recent years he’s moved on to creating sublime short films and editorial films. 

Wonderful Things brings together his legendary photographs and films/Super 8 film, as well as photographic sets by Shona Heath and special installations. The sets will recreate his stunning work in country houses, cathedrals and photography studios. There’s also a new series of 150 photographs influenced by the V&A’s collections, which have been a big influence on him.