Unto London

A Photographic Essay of London’s Street Performers
By Athol Rheeder

A collection of photographic images of London’s street performers gathered and distilled over several years reveals a constantly inventive display of theatrical and acrobatic talent. Photographer Athol Rheeder cites Henri Cartier-Bresson and Elliot Erwitt as his primary muses, but his gift is his own effortlessly unique and distinctive style.

The images are appealing, full of character, talent and excitement. Clowns and mime artists, musicians and jugglers captured mid-act, wooing their onlookers by their natural talent and enthusiasm. The inclusion of a selection of photographs of thoroughly delighted and amused children throughout highlights the sheer quality of these performances. A great coffee table book.’
The performers are captured in the environs that their predecessors have used for centuries; Covent Garden, Trafalgar Square and more recently the pavements of the South Bank.
The views of London and its denizens penetrate the swift, superficial glimpses of the city as a modern theme park and tourist destination. Behind the masks and layers of make-up the photographer leaves the observer with a distinct impression of the lives of these street artists. It is a hard choice and in some instances the portraits cannot disguise that it may often be a life lived close to the edge.
The attraction of performers to spectators is indelibly captured in the photographs. The mesmerising talents that draw crowds to watch the displays, whether they are acrobatic or a statuesquely still mime are framed through the faces of those intently watching with an emphasis on the witnessed delight of children.
A kaleidoscopic and compelling collection of images from the alternate edge of London. 
 
 
After a career as one of London’s most successful visual merchandisers and the creative director of several top clothing retailers Athol Rheeder refined his skills as a photographer. His photographs have been published in the Sunday Times, Design Week and Campaign to list a few.
His recent assignments have taken him to Rwanda and Zimbabwe to produce the photographs for a book on Shona sculpture.
 He was drawn to photograph London’s street performers over several years. To try to capture their bold creativity in the face of difficult circumstances drove him to something near obsession.
Beth Wicks, Black & White Photography