RPS London projects

The River Thames and surrounding water features are central to SW London life; the River is now mainly used for leisure and, to a certain extent, transport but, in the past, the Thames must have been busy with barges and boats connecting Boroughs along its banks and facilitating the movement of goods and people.

Is there any sign of such past activities? Is there an industrial or commercial use of the River nowadays? How has its use changed over time?

I have tried to provide a glimpse of the relics of the historical use of the River together with contemporary industrial features.

Hope my images would inspire some reflection on how the River’s use has evolved over time.

Frontiers: Photographing Edgelands (2021)

Mushrooming Urbanisation: Rapid increase in urban population and economic activities command new working and living spaces. However, space is a limited resource, with height becoming the only alternative for development. Skylines are changing dramatically; tall buildings are mushrooming in large Cities and London is not exempt. Often, new developments unfold to the detriment of natural and cultural resources, like rivers, parks and historical buildings.

1. River Wandle (London) from Spit Island

2. River Wandle (London) diving under Southside Shopping centre in Wandsworth

3. Office block in Colliers Wood (London)

4. Urban development from Lambeth Bridge (London)

5. Canary Wharf and Docklands (London)

The RPS London Region Group has launched a photographic project covering the seven Monumental London Cemeteries. Here is my contribution, entirely photographed at West Norwood Cemetery, in 2021 & 2022.

Most graves bear very few details about the lives of the people buried there; a name, two dates and maybe some hints on who they were. Some, more affluent people, have managed to include epitaphs with information about their achievements and personality traits, but the majority have left only the bare minimum about themselves.

Since the invention of photography, portraits have been used on tombstones. Often simple passport-style pictures, sometimes casual images, maybe taken on social and joyous occasions, sometimes formal portraits. In any case, photography has become a way to immortalise the features of the person and maybe share something more about their lives. As the saying goes “a picture is worth one thousand words…”.

As a photographer, I was curious to explore how photography is used on gravestones, and whether the addition of an image makes that person alive again, even just for a brief moment that we pause in front of them in respectful reflection.

Water in London (2025)

Views from the River Thames

We are usually accustomed to appreciating the River Thames from the height of its banks. But at river level, the perspective shifts: familiar views are transformed, and new details — hidden from the shore — begin to emerge. From the perspective of passengers and sailors in bygone times

"Growing your own vegetables, fruit and herbs… with solar power technology”

Sematawi is a yoga teacher living in South East London. He has created a small but inspiring oasis of self-sufficiency, managing his allotment only on natural resources.

Water is provided by rain, cleverly collected by a system of gutters and pipes, storing water into large tanks. Electricity to his plot and tools is provided by solar panels.

Even his mobile phone is powered by a mobile solar panel unit. In turn, he and his family spend their free time in nature, lovingly tending the allotment, and enjoy chemical-free, delicious and seasonal vegetables and fresh fruit all year round.

An example to reflect upon.

Architecture (2025)

The Elizabeth Line

Designed by Grimshaw, Maynard, Equation and AtkinsRéalis, the Elizabeth Line was named the winner of the 2024 RIBA Stirling Prize.

The project is the result of a remarkable collaboration between architects, engineers and designers. The result is a highly inclusive, cohesive transport system that has already evidenced its social, environmental and economic value.

By expanding capacity, reducing congestion, supporting Capital-wide regeneration, and creating employment opportunities – the Elizabeth Line continues to contribute to London’s long-term growth.