Lives Less Ordinary: Working-Class Britain Re-seen at Two Temple Place

This unique cultural space welcomes you to discover a bold new exhibition that challenges a century of misunderstanding and misrepresentation. Curated by Samantha Manton, this ambitious showcase brings together over 150 remarkable works—many of which are being shown in London for the very first time. Building on the venue’s recent streak of thought-provoking exhibitions, this latest offering is more than just a visual experience: it’s a cultural event, complete with an all-ages programme of workshops, talks, live music, and more, inviting everyone to explore, question, and connect.

‘Reframing narratives, challenging stereotypes, exploring identities’

Lives Less Ordinary shines a light on contemporary artists from working-class backgrounds, offering them a platform to share their perspectives and push against the boundaries of representation. At the same time, the exhibition invites audiences to rediscover overlooked 20th-century figures such as Beryl Cook and Monica Ross, while also encountering the work of lesser-known talents like Sandra George and Eric Tucker—many of whom are being celebrated in this context for the first time.

Through powerful, honest storytelling, artists such as Roman Manfredi, Joanne Coates, and Mahtab Hussain give voice to often invisible working-class communities, confronting reductive stereotypes with clarity and conviction. Meanwhile, photographers like Hannah Starkey, Ken Grant, and Masterji capture the quiet dignity of everyday lives, offering poignant glimpses into the richness and complexity of these experiences.

Spectrum Photographic were delighted to work on this thought provoking body of work and produced a selection of framed prints for the exhibition at Two Temple Place.

The exhibition runs at Two Temple Place, London until this weekend 20 April 2025 and admission is free.