Marking 100 years since the invention of the photobooth in New York, the “Strike a Pose! 100 Years of the Photobooth” exhibition at the Photographers' Gallery celebrates a century of spontaneous self-portraiture.
First introduced in 1925, photobooths transformed photography by making it accessible to all, from everyday users to cultural icons like John Lennon, Jacqueline Kennedy, and Andy Warhol. By the mid-20th century, they were fixtures at fairs, train stations, and shopping centres, loved for their instant results and playful spirit. Though they faded with the rise of digital photography in the 1990s, analogue booths are now enjoying a revival thanks to passionate restorers.
The exhibition showcases a small archival display of vintage portraits, posters, and memorabilia charting the booth's evolution. Visitors can step inside a restored 1960s photobooth to create their own photo strips. A live feed also reveals the intricate mechanics behind this enduring cultural icon.
You can find out more about “Strike a Pose! 100 Years of the Photobooth” and book tickets here.