A ceremonial mace getting its own seat in the car, footmen chilling out backstage, the new Lord Mayor of London looking altogether lonely in a marquee: a new exhibition due to open at Guildhall Art Gallery next year reveals candid images of the City's pomp and ceremony.
Unseen City — which runs from 4 March-31 July 2016 — is the handiwork of the City of London’s photographer-in-residence Martin Parr. Since 2013 Parr has documented the life of the City, across three mayoralties, gaining access to a world of private ceremonies, ancient and modern traditions, processions, banquets and public occasions.
What makes the exhibition unique is the candid, behind-the-scenes nature of many of these photographs. Get a taster in our gallery below.
When Unseen City — the first major photographic exhibition at Guildhall Art Gallery — ends next summer, 20 of Parr's photos will remain in the gallery's permanent collection.
