Two years after the apocalypse that was called the Second World War ended, Magnum Photos was founded. The world's most prestigious photographic agency was formed by four photographers - Robert Capa, Henri Cartier-Bresson, George Rodger and David "Chim" Seymour - who had been very much scarred by the conflict and were motivated both by a sense of relief that the world had somehow survived and the curiosity to see what was still there. They created Magnum in 1947 to reflect their independent natures as both people and photographers - the idiosyncratic mix of reporter and artist that continues to define Magnum, emphasizing not only what is seen but also the way one sees it. Magnum Photos is a photographic cooperative of great diversity and distinction owned by its photographer members. With powerful individual vision, Magnum photographers chronicle the world and interpret its peoples, events, issues and personalities. The Magnum Photos library is a living archive updated daily with new work from across the globe. You may search or browse our 500,000+ images which are available online for licensing in a variety of formats. 

 

Through its four editorial offices in New York, London, Paris and Tokyo, and a network of fifteen sub-agents, Magnum Photos provides photographs to the press, publishers, advertising, television, galleries and museums across the world. The Magnum Photos library is a living archive updated daily with new work from across the globe. The library houses all the work produced by Magnum photographers and some special collections by non-members. There are approximately one million photographs in both print and transparency in the physical library, with 350,000 images available online.

 

Within the library, most of the major world events and personalities from the Spanish Civil War to the present day are covered. There are constantly updated profiles on most countries of the world, covering industry, society and people, places of interest, politics and news events, disasters and conflict. The Magnum Photos library reflects all aspects of life throughout the world and the unparalleled sense of vision, imagination and brilliance of the greatest collective of documentary photographers. In short, when you picture an iconic image, but can't think who took it or where it can be found, it probably came from Magnum.

 

The London gallery for renowned photo agency, Magnum. Representing the best in photography, The Magnum Photos selection process for new members is legendary for its toughness. With as few as 60 photographers within the Magnum family, the name is synonymous with artistic originality and excellence. Becoming a full Member of Magnum Photos takes place over at least four years, with candidates evolving from the status of Nominee, to Associate, to Member, each evolution in status requiring a vote by the Magnum Photos Members.

 

 

Opening Times: Wed to Fri 11.30am-4pm

 

 

Barbican Tube (8 minutes)

Old Street Tube (9 minutes)

 

Old Street Railway Station (9 minutes)

Farringdon Rail (11 minutes)

 

Bank (20 minutes)

Tower Gateway (32 minutes) 

 

Pear Tree Street NCP (1 minute)

Macclesfield Road NCP (6 minutes)

 

Magnum Photos, 

63 Gee Street,

Clerkenwell, 

EC1V 3RS