A highlight of the London exhibition calendar this season is Tim Walker Story Teller, a beautifully-curated vision of the fashion photographer’s otherworldly images at Somerset House.
Yesterday, I was treated to a special preview of the exhibition, led by Tim Walker himself. Supported by Mulberry, the exhibition takes place in the stunning new East Wing Galleries at Somerset House and focuses on Walker’s photography. The dazzling images are punctuated with over-sized installations, props and sketches, offering an insight into the painstaking production and mechanics behind the shoots.
The subjects of the photographs are mostly the cream of the fashion world – supermodels, designers, renowned critics, East End club kids and the more avant-garde actresses. In the exhibition we see Karen Elson as Little Red Riding Hood, Kristen McMenamy entrapped by a white spider, Alber Elbaz in bunny ears, Lindsay Wixson terrorised by a giant doll and Helena Bonham-Carter as a disgruntled queen wearing Vivienne Westwood and sipping on a can of Diet Coke.
There is also a rare chance to see the sheer size of the installations that feature in the photographs, including a melancholy crying skeleton, a creepy over-sized doll, insects playing double bass, a snail crawling down the wall and a full-size Spitfire plane.
The exquisite garments are a huge part of the visual narratives and Tim Walker’s images were just made for showcasing couture. Look out for masterful, extravagant dresses by Chanel Haute Couture, Oscar de la Renta, Jean Paul Gaultier Couture, Givenchy Haute Couture, Dior Haute Couture, Giorgio Armani Privé, Atelier Versace, Alexander McQueen and Valentino Couture.
One of my favourite images from the show is Stella Tennant wearing a Peter Jensen magenta gown and covered in vivid pink powder clouds, shot in the gardens of Eglingham Hall in Northumberland. Having grown up in Northumberland and spent countless summers visiting the county’s various stately homes, it was a delight to see Tim Walker’s dreamy scenes shot there, bringing the historic rooms to life.
To coincide with the exhibition, Thames & Hudson have published the most beautiful book entitled Story Teller by Tim Walker (£45), featuring over 175 images from Walker’s personal archives – some images can also be spotted in the exhibition. The book includes a foreword by Kate Bush, an introduction by Robin Muir and a poetic afterword by Tim Walker. I was lucky enough to receive a copy to add to my fashion book collection and it’s already one of my favourites.
Tim Walker Story Teller is like stepping into a dream world, and the exhibition perfectly presents the fashion photographer’s breathtaking, imaginatively styled, witty and often whimsical and ethereal images. Spend a few hours getting lost in Tim Walker’s wonderland – it’s a truly enchanting, enthralling experience.
Tim Walker Story Teller runs until 27 January 2013 in the East Wing Galleries at Somerset House and admission is free. Story Teller by Tim Walker is available to buy at Amazon.co.uk
For more information, visit: www.somersethouse.org.uk
Photos by Mulberry and Chérie City