The London Street Photography Festival 2011 was drawn to an official close last night at an operatic evening of celebration, music, drinks, food, fun, laughter (not necessary in that order!) and a charity auction of exhibition prints to help fund next year's event.
Held at the magnificent German Gymnasium in Kings Cross, the venue was packed to the brim with well-wishers, supporters, partners, contributors and artists of the Festival.
The evening kicked off with Brett Stott, the organiser, presenting the Festival's inaugural Student Street Photography Awards 2011 to a well deserved Tom Archer. The 21-year old Sheffield graduate had his work exhibited at Orange Dot Gallery in London, and has just recently published his first photo book.
The remaining of the evening was then handed over to Michael Pritchard who presided over the fund-raising auction. Or should I say, 'fun'-raising, as the crowd roared with laughter on occasions as the former Christie's auctioneer managed to ease the crowd and got them to dig deep into their wallets. A raffle, with some stunning prizes including an Eurostar return trip to Paris, was the grand finale.
I, for one, will be looking forward to next year's Festival with great anticipation. It is to the organiser's great credit to have put this Festival together which included ten free exhibitions and a number of free events, talks and workshops. If you have enjoyed the Festival this year please help them to make it happen again next year by visiting their site here.
May it long continue as London's photographic community does welcome such a great event ... Where 'dehydrated' guests were well hydrated...
... and fed.
Music flowed to the rhythmn of the jazz trio...
The amazing German Gymnasium where the event and auction took place.
Some of the lots for sale included Allison Ball's iconic hand burnished lino print of the festival logo.
... not sure how this Lot got in! But it did get the ladies in the crowd 'excited'.
Alas, all good things have to come to an end ....., but a splendid time was guaranteed for all!
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