Q&A with Photographer Charlie Phillips OBE and Friends

As the Somewhere_Somehow exhibition draws to a close, this is your final opportunity to experience the work and hear directly from Photographer Charlie Phillips OBE.

Spanning more than four decades behind the lens, Charlie Philips OBE will reflect on his journey from documenting Notting Hill’s Caribbean community in the 1960s- 2020s capturing cultural icons, everyday lives and global experiences encountered through his travels.

Hosted by Piers Thompson of Portobello Radio, this rare and personal evening offers a unique insight into the life and legacy of one of Britain’s most important photographic voices.

Charlie will reflect on the inspirations behind his work, the instinct and intention guiding his lens, the challenges of gaining recognition in the art world, and the ways generations of creatives influence one another. Through his striking black-and-white and nostalgic colour images, he has chronicled modern life, social change, beauty, and identity with warmth and honesty.

Joining Charlie Philips OBE is acclaimed London-based photographer Yves Salmon, whose practice explores migration, identity and belonging, particularly among communities with historic ties to the UK. Inspired by her heritage, she connectspast and present through photography, alternative processes, and personal testimony. Yves is a pioneering female photographer celebrated for her stunning portraits that capture the depth and humanity of her subjects. She has taught atUniversity of the Arts London and recently completed her first short film.

The evening will conclude with an audience Ǫ&A.

Sunday 8th March Timings

5:00 PM: Last chance to explore the Somewhere_Somehow photo exhibition at the Riverside Open Gallery. Don’t miss the chance to buy your favourite prints.

6:00 PM: Meet the Artist - Join us in the exhibition gallery for a special presentation of the Windrush Award to Charlie Phillips OBE.

7:00 – 8:30 PM: Intimate Ǫ&A with Charlie Phillips OBE and Friends in the theatre - FREE event – ticket required, so be sure to book ahead! Limited capacity.

Follow :@charlierootsfoto @yvessalmon @portobello.radio

Exhibition Producers and Programmers:

Rosalind Scanlon, Yvonne Connike and Sarah Sepahi

For press Enquires:

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Ǫuotes

 ‘His vibrant and vital work went largely unnoticed for decades, but now photographer Charlie ‘Smokey’ Phillips is finally getting the recognition he deserves”  Mr.Feelgood.com

‘The greatest photographer you have never heard of.” Time Out

 'His photographs of Muhammad Ali and Jimi Hendrix sold around the world. Cartier-Bresson was a fan, while Fellini liked him so much, he put him in a film. Yet in the UK, Phillip’s work was ignored for decades' Guardian News

Photography: Gavin Dunn