Tomorrow, December arrives and with it, Christmas shopping. To celebrate, Michael Hoppen Gallery is hosting a Christmas Flea Market this weekend, making a selection of 19th- and 20th-century photographs, frames and photography books from its archives available to buy. Here, ahead of the flea market’s opening, we present a wishlist of photographs featured in the Chelsea gallery’s sale – ideal to gift or indeed keep for yourself.
1. George Washington Bridge (above)
New York’s George Washington Bridge casts a striking silhouette in twilight smog. Ben Mitchell’s photograph taps into the idea of a bridge symbolising escapism, a transition – a loved one about to embark on a new chapter or adventure would appreciate such a shot.
Richard Dunkley, End of the AffairCourtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery
2. End of the Affair
An intensely intimate shot, we catch a glimpse of a relationship’s end through the lens of Richard Dunkley. End of the Affair appears to have a story behind it, which is up to its viewer to fill in (with or without the help of Graham Greene’s wintery 1951 novel of the same name).
Unknown photographer, Skating SilhouettesCourtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery
3. Skating silhouettes
That most festive of winter activities, ice skating, is captured by an unknown photographer in this cinematic black and white shot. The skaters’ silhouettes are mesmerising, and with the skewed perspective and bright ice comes a distinctly dreamy quality.
Anonymous, Armistice Day, Paris 1945Courtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery
4. Armistice Day, Paris 1945
May 8, 1945 – or Victory in Europe Day – saw the end of the Second World War and celebrations erupt across many Allied European cities. An anonymous photographer captured this scene of merriment in Paris on that day, with flags flying and what would later come to be peace signs on show – in this early iteration the V formed by two fingers stood for victory.
Robert Doisneau, Flea Circus with Gun CarriageCourtesy of Michael Hoppen Gallery
5. Flea Circus with Gun Carriage
20th-century photographer Robert Doisneau’s flea circus scene is as charming as it is bizarre. One to gift an enthusiastic entomologist, to display alongside an equally eccentric cabinet of curiosities.