Untold Stories: A Rediscovered Archive

This October, a remarkable archive of photographs will be on show for the very first time.

Untold Stories presents the work of Herbert Smith FRPS (1917–1987), a surgeon from Bolton who spent four decades travelling through nearly 40 countries with his camera. From Greenland to Afghanistan, Bolivia to Japan, his images capture everyday life with the quiet curiosity of an observant traveller.

The archive — almost 80,000 photographs — was rediscovered in 2021 by Herbert’s grandson Jack. Although they never met, Jack has spent the past four years restoring and curating the work, shaping an exhibition that connects generations and brings a long-hidden body of work into the light.

The show has been produced in partnership with theprintspace, who are known for exhibitions such as the Sony World Photography Awards. A selection of limited edition prints will also be available through Jack’s project, A Blank Wall. You can follow this amazing project and see more images from it on Instagram at @blankwall.uk

Admission is free, but spaces are limited — so please reserve your ticket in advance.

Also check out other Exhibitions in London.