From urban scenes that document the British society of his time to evocative landscapes and interior atmospheres, the daily and personal character of his images turn Edwin Smith (London, 1912-1971) into one of Britain’s foremost 20th-century photographers. After studying architecture at the Architectural Association, and motivated by artist Paul Nash, he decided to become a freelance photographer. High in-demand by publishers – Thames & Hudson commissioned Smith for several books –, his work also appeared in prominent magazines. After his death, his widow and collaborator Oliva Cook donated a large collection of his photographs to the RIBA Library.