Photo London, the UK's leading photography fair, is preparing for its 10th edition from 15 to 18 May at Somerset House under new director Sophie Parker. Parker, the fair's first female director and a longtime staff member, aims to move beyond the so-called 'Kate Moss Index'—industry slang for the prevalence of safe, traditional photographic subjects like supermodel portraits—by rewarding galleries that take risks with more experimental work. The fair has cycled through several directors in recent years, including Roderick van der Lee and Kamiar Maleki, but Parker brings an insider's perspective and a working-class background to the role.
This edition matters because it signals a potential shift in the commercial photography fair landscape, which has often been criticized for catering to conservative collectors and lacking diversity. Parker's appointment and her stated commitment to showcasing risk-taking galleries could help Photo London differentiate itself from rivals and attract a broader, more contemporary audience. Her personal story—rising from a gallery assistant to director, overcoming class and gender barriers—also highlights ongoing conversations about inclusivity and access within the art world.