October 27, 2014

PHOTOGRAPHER RICHARD GLOVER







Australia’s Richard Glover has been exposed to some amazing opportunities through his career as an architectural photographer. He was chosen to document the transformation of the Bankside Power Station into London’s Tate Modern - a commission that spanned six years. And while living in the UK, he also worked regularly for a range of renowned architectural firms, including Foster & Partners and John Pawson. Now back in Australia he continues to work for leading practices such as Cox Richardson, Tzannes Associates and Bates Smart as well as emerging firms such as Luigi Rosselli and Collins & Turner. Richard has also become a regular speaker on architecture and photography. He is teaching architect students at UTS and last month spoke on Radio National’s By Design program on Architectural photography - does it exist any more - in an age of instagram? Richard’s personal works are held by Tate Britain, Tate Modern, The Royal Mint, Art Gallery of NSW and ArtBank Australia, among others.
Which five words best describe you? Honest. Empathetic. Diligent. Generous. Handsome. Witty. 

How did you get your career start and what path have you taken since? Having worked in the advertising industry for several years before deciding to be a professional photographer I had a good understanding of the photographer’s role in the business of visual communication and gave me confidence to tackle several different industry fields. After a few years developing my skills and portfolio I moved to London and it was there that I began to focus on architecture and interiors as the principal subject matter for my work.

What’s the best lesson you’ve learnt along the way? Certainly, exercising your natural creative talent is important but not as crucial as being patient, determined and prepared to work hard for many, many years. It is a tough gig but very rewarding.

What’s your proudest career achievement? Having the opportunity to photograph the transformation of the former Bankside Power Station into Tate Modern - the world’s most popular modern art gallery - over a six-year period. It was a “big” project in every sense and gave me great satisfaction.

What’s been your best decision? Moving to London. It gave me the opportunity to test myself in one of the world’s great creative centres and presented a never ending path of commission possibilities in several different fields: architecture, design, art, publishing and presented the opportunity to work with some of the best creative people along the way.

What are you passionate about? I am still very passionate about photography, though the "business" of photography is hard graft (like all business). But, the making, disseminating, discussing, teaching of photography is still fun, stimulating and rewarding. Besides photography, I love being a happy husband and father of two children, and in particular a proud supporter of my son’s football team - go Glebe Greyhounds!

Which person, living or dead, would you most like to meet? My grandfather. He passed away when I was still a boy and I never really got the chance to know him. He was a keen amateur photographer and I would have enjoyed talking with him about our joint passion.

What dream do you still want to fulfil? Retiring.

What are you reading? Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel - a fictitious account of the life of Thomas Cromwell.