Polly Tootal

Polly Tootal’s photography tells the stories of landscapes and of the people who inhabit them—how they came to be there and where they’re going. Her award-winning series Somewhere in England (2010-2015) saw her create large, highly detailed studies of anonymous landscapes that emphasise architectural structure and the lay of the land. Her editorial work has seen her travel further abroad, from the bright heights of Singapore to the rapidly developing suburbs of Istanbul, to the desert motorways of the UAE and the hanging gardens of Espai Verd. Her landscape studies and portraiture display a sensitivity to composition and an overall sense of composure. This is an approach she honed while studying under the Magnum photographer Mark Power. A style necessary to illustrating the sometimes pressing, always inspiring stories of people being brought together and connected.

Polly Tootal has lived and worked in London since graduating from Editorial Photography at the University of Brighton. Her landscape studies have been awarded the Prix Du Public Vile D’Heres Photographie 2015 and The Association of Photographers Award – Landscape Series 2010. She has been commissioned to depict the connections between people and place for clients such as Airbnb, Ink Global, and Air France, and fashion and lifestyle brands LVMH, Monocle Magazine and Madame Figaro magazine. Tootal presents regularly in solo exhibitions, group shows, and at art fairs throughout Britain, Europe, and North America. Notably, she exhibited at the Palazzo Rialto as part of the Venice Architecture Biennale 2014. Prints of her work are held in private collections in the USA, Europe, and the UK.

'Polly brings a sense of mystery and wonder into all areas of her work. Her graphic compositions emphasise the almighty industrialisation of our world, while her quiet portraits remind us of our delicate and vulnerable humanity. This interesting dichotomy is a welcome new visual voice in the industry.' Gem Fletcher.