Discover the Royal Photographic Society’s International Photography Exhibition 167, the world’s longest-running photography exhibition. Featuring 113 works by 48 photographers selected from more than 5,200 entries worldwide, the exhibition showcases diverse perspectives on identity, environment, culture, community and contemporary life. Following its display at London’s Saatchi Gallery, this prestigious touring exhibition comes to The Museum of Somerset. Visitors can explore outstanding contemporary photography from emerging and established artists from across the globe.

Award Recepients

The two award recipients for the 167th edition of the International Photography Exhibition are Marcy Palmer and Léa Chen. Both photographers received the highest honours from this year’s guest selection panel.

IPE 167 Award Recipient | Marcy Palmer

Marcy Palmer received the IPE Award for her series ‘Seeds of Strength and Resilience,’ which explores the history and future of reproductive rights. 

IPE 167 Under 30’s Award Recipient | Léa Chen

The Under 30s Award was presented to Léa Chen for ‘The Stars That Don’t Look Back,’ which documents the intimate and private memories shared by three generations of women living in Taiwan.

Reflecting the Times

The IPE has always reflected the times and this year’s submissions are no exception with many photographers focussing on themes that include environmental issues; identity; conflict, memory, community; family; and culture. 

This year, photographers were shortlisted from more than 10,000 submissions. The guest selection panel for IPE 167 comprised Max Gorbatskyi, Irene Lombardo, Dr Michael Pritchard, Lydia Goldblatt and Jaskirt Dhaliwal-Boora.

A Long History

Held almost every year since 1854, the International Photography Exhibition is the longest-running exhibition of its kind in the world. Throughout its history, it has showcased work by some of photography’s most influential figures, including Julia Margaret Cameron, Roger Fenton, Edward Steichen and Paul Strand.

All images courtesy of The Royal Photographic Society