Leica opens new London photography gallery and academy
The multi-purpose Mayfair store gets the red dot of approval
Next day delivery: a dream come true for the consumer, but a shopkeeper’s worst nightmare. Quite simply, it means retail stores now need to offer something you can’t get online. Or better still – as demonstrated by Leica’s new London flagship gallery and shop – a great deal of in-store only perks.
The German camera manufacturer’s latest outpost, newly opened on Mayfair’s Duke Street, combines store, gallery, and bespoke training centre. Naturally, the store will offer the full range of Leica cameras (including the brand’s new Leica Q2), optics and lenses, along with the erudite advice we’ve come to expect from the brand, but on this occasion it feels like the merchandise is there to compliment what else is going on, rather than the other way round.
Dublin 1962 for Vogue. © Brian Duffy/Duffy Archive, currently on view at the Leica store in London
Much of the hype seems to be around the Leica Gallery, the first of its kind in the UK, albeit the 22nd globally. Here, the brand will exhibit the work of some of the world’s most celebrated Leica photographers, beginning with the exhibition ‘True Glamour/True Grit’ (until 26 April), a collection of vintage fashion images by Terence Donovan, Brian Duffy, Terry O’Neill and John Swannell. The surrealist photography of Ralph Gibson is next in line.
But it’s the Leica Akademie training centre, which will share the gallery space, that’s expected to get aspiring photographers through the doors. The Akademie, which has run in Germany since 1934, will offer an extensive schedule of talks and workshops for photographers and enthusiasts of all abilities – everything from portraiture to food photography. First up, Fashion & Art in Practise with Turkina Faso, followed by Beginner Street Photography with Robin Sinha. It’ll also run taster experiences with selected models, which could be just what you need to get your head round the Leica Q2’s new bells and whistles. That’s a service you’ll rarely get delivered to your door.
INFORMATION
For more information, visit the Leica website
ADDRESS
64 - 66 Duke St
Mayfair
London, W1K 6JD
Wallpaper* Newsletter
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
-
First look: Western Mongolia meets Kew Gardens in John Pawson and Oyuna Tserendorj’s cashmere throws
Architectural designer John Pawson and cashmere designer Oyuna Tserendor have collaborated on a cashmere throw collection inspired by Pawson’s 70m Lake Crossing in the Royal Botanical Gardens
By Scarlett Conlon Published
-
How to buy art: the accessible new market
Thanks to a growing pool of art advisers, digital intelligence and collector groups, buyers are better equipped than ever
By Annabel Keenan Published
-
The coolest design-led coffee shops in Seoul
Seoul counts more coffee shops per capita than any other city in the world – cut straight to our six must-visit spots
By Robert Schneider Published
-
Meet Oluwole Omofemi and Bayo Akande, the founders creating a new art community
Oluwole Omofemi and Bayo Akande, are behind Piece Unique, an artist agency that guides and future-proofs emerging artists’ careers
By Mazzi Odu Published
-
Don’t miss these artists at 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair 2024
As the 1-54 Contemporary African Art Fair returns to London (10-13 October 2024), here are the artists to see
By Gameli Hamelo Published
-
Es Devlin’s large-scale choral installation celebrates London’s displaced population
Es Devlin has partnered with UK for UNHCR on a free and open-to-all exhibition, ‘Congregation’, in London from 3-9 October 2024
By Hannah Silver Published
-
Frieze London 2024: everything to see and do
As London gears up for Frieze Week (9-13 October 2024), here are the must-sees inside and outside the fair
By Amah-Rose Abrams Last updated
-
‘This blood that is flowing is my blood, and that should be a positive thing’: Tracey Emin at White Cube
Tracey Emin’s exhibition ‘I followed you to the end’ has opened at White Cube Bermondsey in London, and traces the artist’s journey through loss
By Hannah Silver Published
-
'I want them to be tender': Gary Hume on his new artworks at Sprüth Magers in London
With Gary Hume’s exhibition ‘Mirrors and Other Creatures’ now open at Sprüth Magers, the artist speaks of swans, their curves, and why ‘it’s brilliant’ being a painter
By Emily Steer Published
-
The Turner Prize 2024 opens at Tate Britain
The Turner Prize 2024 shortlisted artists are Pio Abad, Claudette Johnson, Jasleen Kaur and Delaine Le Bas
By Hannah Silver Published
-
'There is beauty there but it’s also a bit subverted': Ella Walker at Pilar Corrias
Ella Walker presents her first exhibition at London's Pilar Corrias gallery, ‘The Romance of the Rose’, her female figures variously exposed, playful, dangerous and joyous
By Emily Steer Published