biography
I am an architectural photographer, film-maker, journalist, gallerist and curator, based in Deptford, SE London.
My wide-ranging client base includes architects, designers, publications, PR consultancies, construction companies and public organisations. I am proud of the long working relationships I have with many clients, while also enjoying the opportunity to work with new organisations sharing my passion for architecture and design.
My commissions include photography of completed architectural and interior projects, art installations, construction progress and portraits. I also create short films about projects, as well as provide video content for websites and other online outlets.
In 2019, I opened a new gallery space in Deptford. Gareth Gardner Gallery hosts a programme of exhibitions dedicated to photography of architecture and the man-altered landscape. I am responsible for all aspects of programming and operations at the gallery, including curatorial oversight, marketing and PR.
I also pursue my own photographic projects, examining different narratives within the built environment.
As well as photographing and writing, I offer consultancy services to clients, assisting with creative marketing strategies and brand development. I also host regular photographic workshops and teaching sessions.
An experienced journalist and writer, I am former editor of interiors magazine FX, features editor of former architectural weekly magazine Building Design and have contributed to many different publications. I continue to contribute to a number of different titles and my work has been widely published in books, magazines and newspapers around the world.
My project Route Book was featured by Radio 4 in the 'Archive on 4' documentary Return to Subtopia. I also worked with journalist Pamela Buxton and photographer Ed Tyler on the publication of 50 Architects 50 Buildings a book based on the popular 'Inspirations' series in Building Design magazine, which features many of my specially-commissioned photographs.
Professional recognition
I am a fellow of the RSA and a member of the Association of Photographers.
Exhibitions of photography by Gareth Gardner
2010: Association of Photographers Summer Exhibition, AOP Gallery. Work selected for exhibition.
2011: Brave New Worlds, Riverside Gallery, Richmond-upon-Thames. Work selected for exhibition.
2013: Momentum, RTKL Studio London. Work commissioned for exhibition.
2013: Magazine work. Retrospective solo exhibition at TOTO gallery, London. Part of Clerkenwell Design Week.
2013: London Independent Photography 25th Annual Exhibition, Strand Gallery, London. Work selected for exhibition.
2016: Preston Bus Station, Skelly & Couch, London. Images commissioned by Blueprint magazine exhibited as part of an exhibition on the history and future of the building.
2017: 30 Images from 30 Years in Practice, Bennetts Associates, London. Image of Hampstead Theatre featured in exhibition, part of London Festival of Architecture.
2019: Astana: New-build Capital City. Gareth Gardner Gallery.
2019: Buses and Brutalism: Preston Bus Station. Gareth Gardner Gallery.
2021: Route Book, Gareth Gardner Gallery.
Exhibitions curated by Gareth Gardner
1997: 25 years of New Civil Engineer Magazine. Institution of Civil Engineers
2019: Morley's or Less: Mmm... It's the Sincerest Form of Flattery. Gareth Gardner Gallery.
2021: Tim George: Japan Nights. Gareth Gardner Gallery.
2022: James Retief: Tidal Rooms. Gareth Gardner Gallery.
2022: James Retief: Tidal Rooms. Sands End Arts & Community Centre.
2022: Chris Matthews: Wide Angle. Gareth Gardner Gallery.
2022: Greg Moss: Razing Power. Gareth Gardner Gallery.
2023: Richard Chivers: OFF-Grid. Gareth Gardner Gallery.
2023: Jane Lam: Aglaia (co-produced with Luke O'Donovan and Jane Lam). Gareth Gardner Gallery.
2023: Boundary Conditions: Reframing the Pepys Estate. Gareth Gardner Gallery.
2024: Close to the Hedge, Gareth Gardner Gallery.
2024: Christopher Hope-Fitch: Brutalism in Colour. Gareth Gardner Gallery.
2024: DEVELOP+PRINT, Gareth Gardner Gallery
2025: On the Hedge, RHS Wisley
2025: Danilo Murru: The Furthest Point Was Home. Gareth Gardner Gallery
Employment
1995-1998: New Civil Engineer Reporter and section editor
1998-2000: Building Design Features editor, technical editor and editor of Interiors for Architects and Designers
2000-2002: FX Editor
2001-2005: Kent Institute of Art & Design Governor
2003-present: Gareth Gardner photography + journalism
2007-present: fuwagardner Partner of multidisciplinary design consultancy
2019-present: Gareth Gardner Gallery, owner and curator
Media appearances
2024: As it Happens, CBC Radio Canada
2025: Gardening with the RHS, podcast
2025: The Sound of Photography, Resonance FM
Education
1990-1994: MEng Civil Engineering. University of Southampton. With merit.
2002-2003: Certificate in Professional Photography Practice. London College of Printing. With distinction.