48 Hours in New York
Warrington Museum 12th Sept - 26th October 2025
The interpretation panel at the exhibition with words by curator and art historian Carrie Scott
Coney Island pictures on show in the exhibition
Street photography is the defining lens through which we experience the energy, rhythm and character of New York. From Garry Winogrand’s frenetic captures of mid-century New York to Harold Feinstein’s intimate portraits of life at Coney Island, the tradition is built on immersion; of the photographer becoming an extension of the street itself. For Robert Watson, his 48 hours in New York was both a challenge and a homage to these masters, a test of endurance and instinct as he navigated the city with 27 rolls of film and a singular focus: to photograph the city in its rawest form. - Carrie Scott.
Opening night
48 Hours in New York – Exhibition Opening
As an artist, opening nights are always approached with a mix of excitement and a little trepidation. Ultimately, I want people to connect with my work. I want them to feel something in the photographs, not just see them.
This body of work, shot in New York, has already been described by respected voices in photography as holding its own alongside the greats. When first shown at Photo London, it received warm praise from figures such as David Campany (Director of the ICP in New York) and photographers including Martin Parr.
This is the first time the project has been shown in its entirety since then, and seeing it fully realised on the gallery walls feels significant. Black and white film brings both immediacy and history to the images. What I captured were everyday moments, but in time they will become part of the city’s visual memory.
Ultimately, the best thing about the opening was the way it prompted deep conversations (a few of the photographs are quite raw and unforgiving) not only about photography, but about cities, people, and the moments that define them.
I’m proud of how the work looks here in Warrington Museum, and grateful to those who have supported the journey so far.
I’ll leave the final words to Art Historian and Curator Carrie Scott.
“When I first saw these images, I was struck by their ability to bridge the past and the present, evoking the spirit of Garry Winogrand and Harold Feinstein, yet standing firmly in the now. In all my years working with the Feinstein estate, I haven’t seen contemporary street photography that so powerfully holds its own against the greats of the mid-century.”
The exhibition runs until 26th October 2025 and is free to visit.
Warrington Museum opening times.
Wednesday - Friday 10.00am to 4.30pm
Saturday - 10.00am to 4.00pm
Sunday - 11.00am to 3.00pm