An ‘in-conversation’ between photographer Simon Roberts and David Prior, Head of Public Services and Outreach at the Parliamentary Archives, chaired by curator, Rachel Fleming-Mulford.

Using his large-scale artwork for the Victoria Embankment commissioned by Tideway, as a starting point, Simon Roberts will discuss his photography and his approach to the creation of the artwork, which references the rich and varied history of that section of the Victoria Embankment and the River Thames. Roberts took photographs at the site but also researched objects and images from a wide variety of archives and collections in London to create the work.

“The design is created to reflect the literal and metaphorical layering of the landscape, in which objects from the past and present are juxtaposed to evoke new meanings. The hoarding represents an aesthetic excavation of the area, so that diverse elements, both manmade and natural, can co-exist in new ways.

“All the objects are presented as a metaphoric Victorian ‘Cabinet of Curiosities’. Modern terminology would categorise the objects included as belonging to natural history, geology, ethnography, archaeology, religious or historical relics, works of art, and antiquities.”

Simon is joined by David Prior, who is Head of Public Services and Outreach at the Parliamentary Archives. The Parliamentary Archives holds the records of both Houses of Parliament. The records, which date from 1497, reflect the ways in which Parliament has affected the lives of individuals and communities and the processes by which people have been able to influence the work of Parliament. David's responsibilities include the curation and management of exhibitions and displays, the development of community outreach activities and the provision of facilities for public access to the Archives. He will bring his fascinating perspective as a heritage expert to the discussion.

Doors open 6.30pm
Talk 7 to 8.15pm (please arrive at 6.45pm to enable access to the building)
Event ends 8.30pm

This event is fully accessible, however we would be grateful if wheelchair users could let us know in advance due to health and safety. We apologise for any inconvenience. Please note: under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Part of Totally Thames 2018 that runs from 1-30 September www.totallythames.org

Image: Detail from The Thames Wunderkammer: Tales from Victoria Embankment in Two Parts, 2017, Simon Roberts, commissioned by Tideway. © Simon Roberts, 2017. Includes images from the following museum collections: Museum of London, British Museum, and Parliamentary Archives.

Background: Photograph from a glass plate negative by Christina Broom, 1911 of Women’s Coronation Procession (© Copyright Museum of London Ref: IN1346).

Left to right: Core soil and clay samples taken by Tideway Geotechnical Team, from the geological formations of London Clay, Lambeth Group and Thanet Sand (Photograph © Simon Roberts, 2017); The Waterloo Helmet, Iron Age (Courtesy of the Trustees of the British Museum); Plans for the Thames Embankment (North Side), 1863 (Courtesy the Parliamentary Archives, London [HL/PO/PB/3/plan1863/T4]); Battle of Britain Monument, by Paul Day, 2005; Foliage of the Trevesia Palmate plant (Photographs © Simon Roberts, 2017).