All about Eve - review

Intended as a centenary celebration for the exceptional photographer Eve Arnold, this exhibition became a homage when she died in January, days after the accompanying book was complete. Her vast archives were distilled to more than 100 treasures expressing her curiosity, sensitivity and exceptional eye for composition, a Magnum Agency criterion. From celebrity to poverty and travel, they include the incongruously abstract, lyrical scene of Manhattan’s Twin Towers.

Arnold’s unique Monroe collection reflects their long friendship, begun as “a starlet and a neophyte photographer”. Radiantly beautiful without make-up, the previously unseen portraits reveal a mutual trust. Her unique access to Martin Luther King’s Civil Rights’ meeting are reminders of Arnold’s professionalism, capturing his energy and charisma in what became frozen, significant historical moments.

Other celebrities include politicians, musicians, writers and actors — from Michael Caine’s private sexy dance to Thatcher’s stiff pose by a Churchill sculpture. Arnold also reveals fascination with burqua-ed Afghan women while poverty drew her to Cuba, Haiti and the American South. A remarkable collection by a remarkable woman.

Until April 27 (020 7630 9585, artsensus.com)