By the well known Photographer Dennis Toff FRPS
It does not often happen that a distinguished photographer is happy to present his work at a relatively small venue like the Spiro Ark. Dennis Toff's photographs have been exhibited worldwide from the Barbican in London to galleries in New York, also in Austria, Australia, Denmark, France, Italy and Spain.
Mr. Toff recently published 2 books of portraits of the 116 Royal Academicians with examples of their works, he has 33 of his portraits in the collection of the National Portrait Gallery. His work is also held in the collections of the Jewish Museum and the British Film Institute as well as several private collectors.
When asked why he was so pleased to have his Jewish Credo exhibition at the Spiro Ark after all the international prestigious venues, he replied:
"For decades, I have followed and admired the cultural work of the Spiro Institute and thereafter that of the Spiro Ark and always was impressed by the excellent choice of high quality events they presented. I also noticed the impact their work has on people who attend and I am very proud to present my work at their gallery in the West End where I am going to have both the Credo exhibition and following it a second exhibition presenting photographs of Israel immediately after the end of hostilities in 1950. This period right after the creation of the State has greatly interested me for its pioneering feeling, the creativity, the sense of camaraderie and vitality with which people were motivated while integrating so many immigrants from diverse backgrounds; Europe, North Africa and the Middle East."
With the second exhibition, we hope to put on relevant events of that very period: screening of films, presenting of historical accounts, personal memoirs, literature and music.
Credo is exhibiting twenty sensitive photographs of major events in the Jewish Life Cycle. One can feel the reverence of the artist to those visual representations and to his Jewish heritage.
As Dennis's pictures are purchased by museums and collectors, they will be sold for discounted prices at the Spiro Ark exhibition. Try to come to the opening on which Dennis, whose other claim to fame was being the first to bring Croissants to train stations in England, will be pleased to answer questions about his life and work.
The opening of the Credo exhibition is on the 17th of October between 5:00 -7:30 pm.
The exhibition will continue until the 30th of November and will be opened on weekdays between 10:00 am - 4:30 pm. For further details, please contact the Spiro Ark.
Tel: 0207-723-9991/education@spiroark.org/www.spiroark.org