Joseph McKenzie, known as the father of modern Scottish photography, is considered by many to be one of the greatest post-war photographers to have emerged from outside the USA.

Throughout his life, McKenzie produced some of the largest and most regarded studies of the changing face of Britain. These studies were carried out in London and, more notably, Scotland where he compiled long essays recording the changing face of Dundee (Dundee - City in Transition); the children of the Glasgow Gorbals, inspired by the work of painter Joan Eardley (Glasgow Gorbals Children); and Edinburgh and Dunfermline (Dunfermline & its People). In 1967 he visited Ireland and recorded the 'Troubles', which were erupting in the North in a manner which was both provocative and honest.

In 1987 his son, Frank McKenzie, relaunched his father's work in a retrospective exhibition in Glasgow titled Pages of Experience. His work has since been sold to various institutions including the V&A London, and many private collections. The archive and immense legacy of work includes diaries, an autobiography and over 3,000 poems, which continues to be managed by his son Frank.

Marking the anniversary of Joseph McKenzie's birthday, we are celebrating his work with an exhibition at our gallery. On the 19th of March we will host a day of discussion on the work and legacy of McKenzie, followed by an evening reception. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite by following this link.

Image credit: From Gorbals Children Glasgow, 1964-5, Joseph McKenzie Archive