As we reach the halfway point of After the End of History: British Working Class Photography 1989–2024, it’s a great time to reflect on the visual power of storytelling and look ahead to what’s coming next at Stills, Centre for Photography in Edinburgh.
Curated by Johny Pitts with Hayward Gallery Touring, this exhibition boldly chronicles working-class life across Britain, capturing moments of resilience, resistance and everyday beauty from 27 photographers. The photographs go beyond documentation – they pulse with lived experience and collective memory, asking us what it means to belong in today’s Britain.
Just downstairs in the production facilities, Putting Ourselves in the Picture continues the narrative by showcasing emerging women photographers nurtured through the Fast Forward ‘Engage with Industry’ initiative. Their introductory workshop journey has led to deeply personal visual statements, making this a powerful companion show.
Upcoming Highlights: A Garden of Expression
The standout from the 2025 programme is Siân Davey’s The Garden (1–31 August, part of Edinburgh Art Festival). Siân and her son Luke transformed their garden into a community sanctuary where photography met lived emotion. This immersive, intimate exhibition is a space for grief, joy, queerness, and connection – making it a must-visit in the height of summer.
Hands-On Learning: Artist Masterclasses
Stills is also running exclusive masterclasses with artists from After the End of History, including Hannah Starkey, Kavi Pujara, and Joanne Coates. These sessions offer students and emerging photographers direct feedback and peer engagement. (Top tip: students get 25% off with the code STUDENT25.)
Library Gems: Ukraine in Venice, Butlin’s in Colour
The Stills library continues to impress with new additions. Highlights include Net Making, a poignant visual exploration of war and identity from the Ukrainian Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, and Martin Parr’s introduction to Our True Intent Is All For Your Delight, a nostalgic journey through Butlin’s holiday camps – kitsch, joyous and technically masterful.
Whether you’re a practicing photographer, a curious viewer, or just passing through Cockburn Street, Stills is offering not just exhibitions, but a full ecosystem for learning, reflection, and connection.
Plug in to the art scene this Sunday
And if you want more cultural musings in your ears, don’t miss this week’s episode of my podcast Start Your Art – where I talk to creatives about how they turned a single idea into a project that lit up their lives. Find it wherever you get your podcasts.
Stay curious,
Lita Doolan
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