Henri Cartier-Bresson: The Other Coronation

Two coronations ago, Henri Cartier-Bresson was there to capture all the action. This charming book captures the ordinary folk at the heart of it all

- Amy Davies

When we think of Cartier-Bresson, we don’t tend to think of pictures of royalty – that’s more the domain of the Cecil Beatons and the Richard Avedons of this world. So it came as a bit of a surprise to find a book celebrating the coronation of George VI – a canny release on the eve of his grandson’s upcoming coronation.

George VI’s big day took place on 12 May 1937 and then – like now – it was one of the biggest media events of the time. Other photographers concentrated their efforts on the main man himself, his family and the associated pageantry, but Cartier-Bresson being Cartier-Bresson instead focused on the crowds of ordinary people gathered on the streets of London to watch the processions.

What results is a witty and warm look at those who made the journey to celebrate. We see regular folk from all walks of life straining to get a better view of the royal family via cardboard periscopes, mirrors on sticks and climbing atop well-known monuments.