When the tide is out, the Thames is the longest open-air archaeological site in the country and much of the foreshore is accessible to the public. Many of the exposed archaeological sites are unprotected, and all are vulnerable to the twice-daily scour of the tidal Thames. The images on display celebrate the river’s archaeological heritage, the spirit of its industrial past and its ever evolving environment. The images are reminiscent of periods through history, depicting man’s influence on the river over the centuries. The exhibition is curated by Lorna Richardson from the Thames Discovery Programme, and urban photographer Peter Kyte. His photography celebrates all that makes up the urban environment - townscapes, people and places, architecture and urban activity and have been held in many public collections including the British Museum.
Duncan Wilson OBE, Chief Executive, The Greenwich Foundation, says: "The photographs in London’s River Through A Lens are a powerful evocation of Britain’s most famous river. These contemporary images demonstrate the beauty and diversity of the urban Thames and its foreshore - the longest open-air archaeological site in Britain. The exhibition reinforces the significance of these images with information about the archaeology and history of the Thames and the work of the Thames Discovery Programme.”
The Thames Discovery Programme, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, aims to monitor and record these archaeological sites with community volunteer support. The photography programme aims to communicate an understanding and informed enjoyment of the historic Thames to the widest possible audience. The Thames Discovery Programme is managed by the Thames Estuary Partnership, with generous support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Project partners include the Thames Explorer Trust, English Heritage, the Museum of London and the UCL Public Engagement Unit. Find out more about the project on line: www.thamesdiscovery.org