BETWEEN THIS BREATH AND THEN
Leica Gallery London is excited to present Between This Breath and Then, an exhibition by Polly Samson.
The show begins with a portrait of the artist, David Gilmour and their dog, reflected in a large mirror, placed in a misty landscape, setting the tone for the viewers' journey and experience which is all about atmosphere rather than spectacle. Light is king throughout her work. A quiet exchange of glances or familiar unspoken communication and trust is documented steadily in parallel with explosive moments of energy and the pure magic of being alive.
Muse and Magpie, West Sussex, 2016.Polly's framing of image reflects her background as a writer; there is a narrative weight while remaining open, suggestive and sometimes playful – one cannot help but notice a very personal story when you look at the image 'Muse and Magpie', yet are left wondering what that story is. The exhibition explores questions of authorship and presence – who stands behind the lens, who occupies the frame, and how creative identity is both individual and shared.
Through encountering this exhibition we discover a different facet of Polly's practice, expanding her multidisciplinary oeuvre and foregrounding photography as a natural extension of her storytelling voice.
The exhibition will run from the 28th of March until the 7th of May at Leica Gallery London. All works in the exhibition are for sale. Gallery hours are Monday – Saturday 10.00 – 18.00 (Thursday 10.00 – 19.00).
Thursday 16th October 2025
LUCK AND STRANGE STUDIO/LIVE – OUT TODAY
Luck and Strange is published today by Thames & Hudson, priced £40. You can order the book here.
Friday 26th September 2025
LUCK AND STRANGE STUDIO/LIVE
An astonishingly intimate photo chronicle by Polly Samson of the recording, rehearsals and live performances of David Gilmour's critically acclaimed fifth solo album, Luck and Strange, will be published by Thames & Hudson, priced £40, on Thursday 16th October 2025. You can pre-order the book here.
With unrestricted access – studio, backstage, on stage, playing and at play – Polly captures every aspect of the creative process in the making of the No.1 album and the performances that followed of the sell-out international tour. Using her favourite Leica lenses and cameras, Polly shifts gears as studio photos – often candle-lit and shot on grainy black-and-white film – transition into vibrant digital colour shots of the electrifying live performances. Sometimes poignant, often humorous, behind-the-scenes shots sit alongside dramatic on-stage images in this revelatory visual diary.
This beautifully produced book also features the unmistakeable hand lettering of Anton Corbijn on the cover and throughout, an interview by rock photographer Jill Furmanovsky with Polly that sheds light on a photographer's craft, as well as providing insights into Polly's relationship with David. The foreword is written by the late Alan Yentob.
Polly Samson is working on an exhibition of her work with Leica Gallery London to be shown in the earlier part of 2026.
