25 UNSEEN IMAGES FROM SEBASTIÃO SALGADO
Gallery 32, Green Street, London W1K 7AT
11th September – 6th October 2007
A one-month photographic exhibition that pays tribute to the world’s coffee growers will open in London this September.
In Principio (In the Beginning) has been conceived by coffee producer illycaffè to give greater visibility to the history, customs and landscapes of the green coffee growers that it works with. The exhibition will feature 25 images, previously unseen in the UK, taken by the acclaimed humanist photographer Sebastião Salgado as part of his five-year commission from illy between 2002 and 2006.
The black and white pictures on display were taken by Salgado at the plantations in Brazil, India, Ethiopia, and Guatemala from which illycaffè buys its Arabica coffee beans. The images depict the thriving culture of coffee growing which exists in these countries and have been selected to illustrate the various stages of the coffee cultivation process: from the harvesting of coffee through to drying and the moment when the beans, packed in their jute sacks, begin their journey back to Italy for roasting.
In Principio has been created by illycaffè to encourage people to learn about the issues surrounding the lives of farmers and the issue of sustainable coffee culture. The theme of the exhibition closely reflects illy’s approach to sustainable development, which is built upon developing a direct and mutually beneficial relationship with farmers; rewarding growers for producing the best quality beans by paying premium and sustainable prices to ensure the growers always make a profit; and ensuring that growers and their communities reap the full social and economic benefits of their coffee production.
Andrea Illy, CEO for illycaffè says: “We want to represent the reality, human beauty and pride of the coffee farmer to people who may not know about the culture of coffee-growing communities. In Principio is about explaining this culture and showing people the involvement of the 25 million families behind coffee.”
In Principio runs from 11th September – 6th October 2007 and is free of charge. All visitors will also have the opportunity enjoy a free cup of illy espresso made from 100% Arabica beans.
The exhibition was conceived by illy in collaboration with Amazonas Images, Constrato and NBpictures
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Notes to editors:
Gallery 32 is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 12pm-6pm. Opening hours on Wednesday are 12pm-5pm. It is closed on Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Telephone 020 7399 9282 for further details.
Based in Trieste, Italy, illycaffé produces and markets a unique blend of espresso coffee. Over 6 million cups of illy espresso coffee are enjoyed every day. illy is sold in 140 countries around the world and is available in more than 50,000 of the best restaurants and coffee bars. illycaffè employs around 600 people and has a consolidated turnover €227 million.
illy buys green coffee directly from the growers of the highest quality Arabica through partnerships based on the mutual creation of value. The Trieste-based company fosters long-term collaborations with the world’s best coffee growers - in Brazil, Central America, India and Africa - providing know-how and technology and offering above-market prices.
For more information, please visit www.illy.com
