Following 12 years as Europe’s most popular privately funded photographic gallery Alex Proud, Director of Proud Galleries, is delighted to announce expansion to a prime Chelsea location.

Situated in the heart of King’s Road, Proud Chelsea will stand alongside art institutions such as the Saatchi and Taschen, adding further to London’s flourishing arts hub by bringing the world’s best photography and that special brand of Proud cool.

Following the success of Proud Camden’s live music venue, and the announcement of new City venue Proud Cabaret opening in mid November, Alex Proud aims to emphasize his ongoing commitment to the photography world by launching a new gallery dedicate solely to the medium.

Proud says “We have been offered many spaces suited to a bar and gallery combined, lots of them huge, but that’s not what we were looking for. Photography is my love, it is what Proud is founded on and Proud Chelsea is an expression of this. It is about dedication to photographers, to photography lovers, and to being the very best in the field. The new space is a result of our unwavering devotion.”

Moving from the original site in Charing Cross to Chelsea is the result of a desire to make photography as accessible as possible. It’s an idea that the Proud Galleries Group was founded on and something the remains close to the heart of the business today. Whilst the space is of a similar size to Proud Central, the more conventional layout means a larger area to exhibit in and the more convenient location aims to encourage passersby to discover what photography has to offer.

Ever dedicated to young people, Proud will utilize the original Charing Cross gallery to showcase work by students and emerging artists practicing in all creative areas, providing a space that nurtures and supports new talent.

Proud is thrilled to be flying the flag for photography and expanding despite the harsh economic climate. Proud Chelsea will be the place to see the very best photography and aims to continue moving forward as an innovative leader in the market.

Proud Chelsea will launch to the public with the opening of Elvis at 21: New York to Memphis by world renowned photographer Alfred Wertheimer. This archive represents the only candid photographs of Elvis and has never before been exhibited in the UK.
The new space will also feature a Print Sales room exhibiting past archives by top class photographers.
BACKGROUND

Proud Galleries

Proud Galleries was launched in Autumn 1998. Its ethos? To bring the very best in high quality photography to the mainstream market. Proud instantly took the photography world by storm and quickly grew into Europe’s most popular private photography gallery.

Proud Camden Bar and Gallery opened in 2000 located in the heart of the Stables, one of London’s most famous and historic markets.
In Spring 2008 Proud Camden found a new home; the 700 capacity Grade II Listed Horse Hospital also in the Stables. The venue is unique and versatile, and has been meticulously restored to retain many of the beautiful features, including the original stables that once housed the injured horses.

Today the Proud brand runs on of the most visited destinations in London. Two galleries, a live music venue and a forthcoming Cabaret club have cemented its success and in a harsh economic climate, Proud continues to expand.
Showing the work of the world’s best photographers, Proud has hosted shows by everyone from Terry O’Neill to Jerry Schatzberg, Gered Mankowitz to Ken Russell. With star-studded launch parties and some of the best press coverage in the country, the unique Proud formula has situated the company at the very top of its game.

Proud Galleries has earned Alex the reputation as an eminent commentator on photographic and media issues. He has been invited to sit on various judging panels including the Nikon Press Awards, Observer Hodge Awards and the CoolBrands Council.
Launch Times Entry 17th November 2009 Mon – Wed, Fri & Sat 11am to 8pm Thurs 11am to 10pm Sun 11am to 6pm Free Address Website Interviews:: : 161 King’s Road London SW1 5XP www.proud.co.uk Details upon request