Horst Hamann: London Vertical

"Mr. Hamann is a genius at composition, not only in his framing of architectural forms but in his treatment of light as well.” - Herbert Muschamp, The New York Times

German photographer Horst Hamann, who is recognised as the pioneer of vertical urban photography, began his photographic Vertical Views of Cities in 1991. 

The initial experimental shots have developed into an unmistakable and individual take on the modern acropolis with his depictions of Vertical Paris and Vertical New York already noted as award-winning sell-out publications. Hamann’s compositional confidence together with the courage to experiment artistically has allowed him to achieve a recognisable imprint of these iconic cities despite his brave vertiginous take. 

For the past seven years, he has focused on London, a city very dear to his heart. As with New York and Paris he has managed to find completely new architectural perspectives assuring us that ‘You will never see the city the same way again’, serving up majestic views and fine historical detail via dramatic black and white images.

Born in Mannheim, Germany in 1958 Hamann has spent half of his life in New York and the State of Maine. His photographic journey has taken him around the world with his extensive body of work feeding over 50 publications and numerous exhibitions. 

His work is held in private and international art collections. He is also the first living German photographer to be honoured by The Museum of The City of New York with a six-month solo exhibition. 

All images in the exhibition are shot on the Leica Q2. All prints are for sale together with the new book London Vertical published by teNeues.