New Director of Photo London Announced

Photo London is delighted to announce Sophie Parker as the new Director for the Tenth edition of the Fair.

The Founders of Photo London are pleased to announce that the Fair’s Associate Director, Sophie Parker will take on the role of Director. She succeeds Kamiar Maleki who served as Director of Photo London for two editions.

Photo London’s Founders, Michael Benson and Fariba Farshad, say:

“After two editions during which he served as Director of Photo London, Kamiar has decided to step down from his role to pursue other projects. We wish him success in his future endeavours. 

We have the highest regard for Sophie Parker and believe she is the ideal person to lead us into our tenth edition and beyond. Sophie has been invaluable to Photo London over the past six years, playing a key part in our gradual recovery from the pandemic and being a major architect of the last two editions of the Fair, which have been widely praised for their curatorial excellence and for their support for the wider international photographic community. A consummate team player with a deep understanding of the photography world, she enjoys considerable respect amongst our various stakeholders and brings to the role a keen appreciation of the special DNA of Photo London.”

Commenting on her appointment, Sophie Parker states:

“I’m honoured to take on this role. Over the last six years with Photo London, I have learnt from many of the industry’s greatest, and feel privileged to have been part of the Fair’s evolution during this time. I will continue to learn and listen to what our exhibitors and audiences want, to engage our global network of collectors, and bring the best galleries from across the world to celebrate photography in all its forms. I’m proud of what we have built at Photo London — a Fair that truly reflects one of the most diverse and vibrant cities in the world — and am excited to build on the successes of the ninth edition, working with our fantastic team to create a Fair worthy of our tenth anniversary.”

With over ten years experience in the art world, Sophie Parker has curated and organised exhibitions, events and workshops, ranging in a variety of subjects from fine art, photography and performance art to history and politics. After joining Photo London in 2018 as the Gallery Development Manager, she was appointed Associate Director in 2021. Prior to Photo London, Sophie worked at Cristea Roberts gallery, RA Magazine, and Lewisham Local History Society.

Sophie has a Masters degree in Anthropology and Cultural Politics from Goldsmiths, University of London and a BA Hons in History of Art and Design from Manchester Metropolitan University. She currently sits on the Advisory Board for The Ian Parry Photojournalism Grant.

Sophie begins work immediately on the development of the strategy for the tenth edition and on the formal launch of the Fair on 1 July 2024. The tenth edition of Photo London 2025, taking place at Somerset House from 15 May- 18 May (Preview Day 14 May 2025).