Through the lens of Wallpaper* contributor Lydia Whitmore
‘Through the lens’ is our monthly series that throws the spotlight on emerging photographers who are Wallpaper* contributors. Every month one photographer is commissioned to capture the upfront Newspaper section – an artist’s residency in print form – here we explore their vision further
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Initially, UK-based Lydia Whitmore trained in painting, before evolving into a commercial still life photographer with a studio in east London. Whitmore has recently joined One Represents agency and won Best in Book at the 2018 Creative Review Photography Annual. Her work is featured in Wallpaper’s May 2019 issue and we caught up to hear about her working practice.
Scifi Landscape
Wallpaper*: Describe your style of work and process.
Lydia Whitmore: After apprenticing with an amazing still life photographer who taught me invaluable knowledge of the technical aspects of lighting, my previously more artistic approach fused with a more methodical and measured practise. With still life every object you shoot has its own character, surfaces, materials and unique properties. I strive to find and accentuate the beauty of objects, which is what keeps it endlessly engaging.
W*: Who or what made you want to be a photographer?
LW: Because I grew up in a quite isolated area of the Sussex woodlands I didn’t have access to TV or media, so it was cinema that initially inspired me and always seemed incredibly magical. Working towards the creation of a filmic fantasy world is what continues to motivate me. Filmmakers and artists Kenneth Anger and Matthew Barney are lifelong heroes of mine.
Moonman Magazine,Set design: Gemma Therese Pearce
After having spent some years studying painting at Central St Martins and Chelsea School of Art, giving me a strong basis to work from, I ultimately found photography more immediately gratifying; it’s relatable for an audience and the most honest and clear expression of my ideas.
W* What’s currently on your radar?
LW: Recently I’ve been excited about artists exploring the point at which image making and technology meet, such as Frederik Heyman who’s been doing some fascinating work with photogrammetry staging digital worlds. I tend to try to look for inspiration outside of social media and my still life photography peers.
What is always most inspiring for me however is collaboration; I’m in the early stages of a film project with artist Nicky Deeley. Also I’m building a creative agency with two colleagues (newpartner.services), which smoothly allows us to pool our skills and increase the scope of what we can physically achieve with a single idea. It’s an incredible feeling having the resources to create pretty much anything I can imagine.
Ceramic Shadows, Set design: Anna Sheridan
INFORMATION
lydiawhitmore.com (opens in new tab)
Sophie is currently Photography Editor at Wallpaper*. Sophie joined the team following the completion of her photography degree in 2018, and works with Photography Director Holly Hay, where she shoots, commissions, produces, and writes on photography. Alongside this, she continues her art practice as a photographer, for which she was recently nominated for the Foam Paul Huf Award. And in recognition of her work to date, Sophie was nominated by the British Journal of Photography for the Futures photography platform in 2021.
-
Hermès perfume Un Jardin à Cythère is a cinematic exploration of a Greek garden
With Un Jardin à Cythère, Hermès perfumer Christine Nagel recreates the sensations of crunchy grass, watery pistachios, and windswept olive trees
By Mary Cleary • Published
-
Exploration, travel, adventure: the lowdown on Herno’s S/S 2023 collection
A closer look at Herno’s latest collection, which riffs on the brand’s heritage with a new fashion-focused lens
By Jack Moss • Published
-
Constance Guisset makes her Fuorisalone debut with a scenographic design party
Salone del Mobile 2023: ‘Surprise Party! Carte Blanche à Constance Guisset Studio’ (17 April – 13May 2023) is the first Milanese solo show of the French designer
By Maria Cristina Didero • Published
-
Cyprien Gaillard on chaos, reorder and excavating a Paris in flux
We interviewed French artist Cyprien Gaillard ahead of his major two-part show, ‘Humpty \ Dumpty’ at Palais de Tokyo and Lafayette Anticipations (until 8 January 2023). Through abandoned clocks, love locks and asbestos, he dissects the human obsession with structural restoration
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Year in review: top 10 art interviews of 2022, chosen by Wallpaper* arts editor Harriet Lloyd-Smith
Top 10 art interviews of 2022, as selected by Wallpaper* arts editor Harriet Lloyd-Smith, summing up another dramatic year in the art world
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Yayoi Kusama on love, hope and the power of art
To celebrate Yayoi Kusama's 94th birthday, we revisit our 2022 interview with the legendary Japanese artist. Her show at M+, Hong Kong, runs until14 May at M+, Hong Kong
By Megan C Hills • Last updated
-
Antony Gormley interview: ‘We’re at more than a tipping point. We’re in a moment of utter crisis’
We visit the London studio of British sculptor Antony Gormley ahead of his major new show ‘Body Field’ at Xavier Hufkens Brussels
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Last updated
-
Photographer Maisie Cousins on nostalgia, impulsive making and ‘collecting useless things’
Explore the vision of British artist Maisie Cousins in ‘Through the lens’, our monthly series spotlighting photographers who are Wallpaper* contributors
By Sophie Gladstone • Last updated
-
Rashid Johnson in Menorca: a journey through migration, longing and togetherness
We visited Rashid Johnson’s Brooklyn studio ahead of the artist’s show at Hauser & Wirth Menorca, which contemplates drift – physical and emotional
By Osman Can Yerebakan • Published
-
Step inside the kaleidoscopic universe of Pipilotti Rist
Swiss artist Pipilotti Rist, who headlines Wallpaper’s November 2022 issue, has transformed the way we see, with a poetic yet playful practice spanning three decades. Here, and in a special portfolio, she reveals how she has liberated video art from its conventions, imbued the digital realm with emotion, animated public spaces, and harnessed the healing powers of colour
By Jessica Klingelfuss • Last updated
-
Gathering: the new Soho gallery blending art and social activism
Gathering, the newest gallery resident in London’s Soho, will focus on contemporary art exploring systemic social issues. Ahead of Tai Shani’s inaugural show, we speak to founders Alex Flick and Trinidad Fombella about their vision for the gallery
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Last updated