A new riverside photography exhibition launching this London Rivers Week will shine a light on the people who built London’s super sewer. 

 Standing by the Thames is a photography series by Matthew Joseph. Commissioned by Tideway – the company behind the project – the exhibition explores seven newly-created public spaces along the river. 

The series pairs intimate portraits of those involved, with expansive panoramas that celebrate the infrastructure reconnecting Londoners with the River Thames. 

The exhibition, which is free to visit from the 23rd to the 31st of May, marks the start of London Rivers Week, an annual campaign co-run by environmental charity Thames21 to inspire the public to celebrate all of London's rivers and the many projects taking place to protect them. 

It is being exhibited on Bazalgette Embankment, near Blackfriars Bridge – one of seven new riverside public spaces reclaimed from the Thames as part of the super sewer project. The seven pairs of images will be accompanied by the stories of the people featured in the portraits, as well as the stories of the spaces themselves.  

Matt Parr, Tideway CEO, said: “This exhibition is about the people behind the river – those who live and work alongside it, and those playing a role in its long-term improvement. Standing by the Thames brings together powerful imagery and personal stories to reflect that connection, and to encourage people to see the river not just as a backdrop to London life, but as something we all have a shared responsibility to protect.  

“We’re also delighted to be hosting the exhibition here at Bazalgette Embankment – one of a number of new public spaces created along the river – giving people the chance to experience these stories while standing right on the Thames itself.” 

Award-winning photographer Matthew Joseph has developed a series of seven paired images, each combining a sweeping riverside scene with an intimate portrait of an individual connected to the Thames. 

Matthew said: “Having been creatively involved with the Tideway project since 2013, it was an absolute honour to be asked to produce one final body of work to celebrate its completion. 

 “Over the years, I’ve met many of the 25,000 people involved in making it happen, and it felt only natural to portray the human face behind the planning, hard work, long hours and dedication – alongside the beautifully varied and thoughtfully designed public spaces left behind. 

“I’ve developed a deep and personal relationship with the River Thames and the impact it has on London, so it was vital for me to feature the river as prominently as the infrastructure in each image. Considerable energy was devoted to scouting locations, angles, perspectives and the timing of light, alongside the environmental factors unique to each site.” 

The exhibition marks the start of London Rivers Week, co-run by Thames21.  

Chris Coode, the charity’s CEO, said: “We’re delighted to see London Rivers Week return for its tenth year, bringing together communities, partners and river users to celebrate the capital’s blue spaces. With a fantastic programme of free events, from riverside walks and cruises to family friendly activities, the week invites everyone get to know London’s rivers in new ways. 

“This year’s programme, alongside exhibitions such as ‘Standing by the Thames’, also shines a spotlight on the people behind the transformation of the river, from the workforce that delivered London’s super sewer to the communities and partners who continue to care for and improve it. Launching this exhibition at the start of London Rivers Week is a fitting way to celebrate the Thames as the lifeblood of London. 

 “It’s hugely rewarding to see the progress being made to restore London’s rivers, strengthening their resilience to climate change while supporting vital habitats for nature. As extreme weather becomes more frequent, our rivers will play a crucial role in protecting people and wildlife for the future.” 

Set across Tideway’s new public spaces along the river, the photographs are accompanied by short pieces of writing exploring both the story of the place and the perspective of the person – offering a reflective, human view of London’s river and those who stand by it. 

Installed on Bazalgette Embankment in a series of striking exhibition pods, the display invites visitors to pause, look out across the Thames, and consider the relationship between the capital and its river – from its industrial past to its cleaner, healthier future. 

Note to editors 

London Rivers Week is a vibrant, week-long campaign that invites the public to celebrate the capital’s rivers. It shines a spotlight on the many projects dedicated to protecting and restoring these vital waterways, while fostering stronger connections between London’s rivers and the communities that surround them. 

About Thames21  

Thames21 is an environmental charity that works with communities to restore and look after rivers, water and nature across London and the Thames Basin. 

About Matthew Joseph 

Matthew Joseph is an award-winning photographer and director specialising in people-led storytelling, blending authentic human moments with cinematic craft. His work is defined by a distinctive ability to bring life and humanity to commercial briefs, while travel continues to inspire his practice – driven by a fascination with light, people, culture and stories.