‘Legacy’ was initiated from an idea to reflect on found talent and originality, and what is left behind for future generations. It aims at pondering on essential questions such as what is important, what should be encouraged, what are our priorities nowadays, and with all the abundance of information available today, how to focus on quality and craft, as well as matter over superficiality.

Madeleine Waller spent time documenting a swimming pool in East London, to which she was a regular herself. Through her project, one cannot help but notice the beauty and grace that comes from swimming. A high contrast between the nature of the sport and its practitioners, and one of the busiest cities, London, is created. ‘As a regular swimmer at London Fields Lido I was struck by how different fellow swimmers can seem in the water to the way they appear once out of the pool and dressed.  It’s almost as though the pool is a space where we can express an alternative identity.’ (M. Waller, Oct 2015)

Madeleine’s photographs speak of another striking contrast between the swimmer clothed and the swimmer stripped for action. ‘I particularly looked out for people with goggles and caps as the project was about the transformation from amphibian to human.‘  Through ‘East London Swimmers’ equality between swimmers while in the pool is revealed. At the same time, the photographic series recorded analogue on Waller’s Hasselblad depicts Hackney’s resurrection as well as the increased popularity of the sport in recent years. ‘I think all photographers are documenting a moment in history.’

The prints were accompanied by the artist’s book ‘East London Swimmers, published by Hoxton Mini Press in 2014. 

‘I tried yoga once but it didn’t really work for me. I think swimming is similar; it’s not asocial sport, it’s something you do on your own; other people are in the pool but they are like objects to negotiate. It is so methodical: doing the same thing every time in more or less the same combination of strokes. There’s a peace in that you don’t have anywhere else in life.’ (Edward, 37,  writer)

Mattias Pettersson photographed various creative people living in London that were influenced, inspired and impressed by Christopher Nemeth’s legacy collection. Commissioned for Jocks and Nerds Magazine, the works portrayed Nemeth’s designs together with some of those who appreciate most what he did.

‘And I just remember the arrival of this genius new designer. I guess it was around the time when we were beginning to become aware of recycling and the importance of waste. So I particularly loved the fact that he was making pieces out of post bags and that they really looked great too. His designs were just amazing.’ (Mitzi Lorenz, member of the Buffalo collective, from J&N article, Issue 9)

Christopher Nemeth was a fashion designer and artist. He considered making clothes as one of his artistic practices. (christophernemeth.co) Among his trademarks are deconstructed tailored suits and drawings/illustrations depicting thread,needle and hands - the making of clothes - which are also featured on clothing accessories, furniture and more. ‘My dad hated the image of fashion. He just put his art on wearable things. So fashion was a way for him to present his art.’ (Lui Nemeth, daughter, co-founder PrimitiveLondon)