A Life Through the Lens
In the world of photography, Anthony Webb, known to his family as Ant, left a permanent mark through his passion and talent. Born and raised in Herefordshire, his artistic journey began in his early teenage years. Ant’s insatiable curiosity led him from the verdant landscapes of the rural countryside to the vibrant diversity of London, which became his home and inspiration.
Ant’s creativity extended beyond the lens, touching every aspect of his life. As a teacher, he pioneered courses in Travel and London Street Photography at the prestigious Central St. Martin’s College of Art and Design, leaving a living legacy in the students who he taught. He co-founded ‘THEM,’ a successful design consultancy, and collaborated with renowned clients such as The Guardian, Thames and Hudson, Transport for London, and Condé Nast Travel. Although best-known as an editorial photographer, his portfolio communicates curiosity, creativity, and a unique artistic vision that escapes the limits of this term. His work frames the full diversity of life, in all its vibrant contradictions, the beauty, tension and the bustle that he explored within his work.
Ant struggled with mental health problems. Tragically, he ended his life in 2019, before his work could reach the audience that it deserves. Vieunite is honoured to work closely with his family, sharing a glimpse of his extraordinary work with the world.
Connecting with Anthony Webb’s Work and Family
Our connection with Ant’s work started with a heartfelt tribute at the General Office Gallery, in Stourbridge. Through Vieunite’s parent company, Allsee Technologies, we had an existing partnership with the curator and owner of this art gallery, Simon Meddings, for over twelve years, contributing to the local community through the combination of art and technology.
At this event, where Vieunite sponsored Anthony Webb’s “East End Fashionistas” exhibition and General Office by providing a Textura digital canvas, we came across Ant’s work and were astonished by his talent.
We had the privilege of meeting Ant’s family and their unwavering commitment to preserving his legacy truly inspired us. They are bringing his work to a wider audience and advocating for mental health awareness through the support of charities, ensuring his mark in the art world is permanent.
Committed to sharing his talent and vision, Ant was selected as a Vieunite Featured Artist, an exclusive title given to artists who show incredible potential and whose work is making a difference in the art world. In October 2023, we added Ant’s charismatic creations to the Vieunite Library, providing a digital space for art enthusiasts to explore and appreciate his unique perspective. We are now excited to announce the addition of a new collection of Ant’s works to the Vieunite Library, with a current selection of 89 photography pieces.
The process of reviewing and discovering Ant’s work has only just begun. Following Ant’s tragic death at the age of just 46, his family inherited a large estate of digital images, and an even larger collection of transparencies, 35mm ‘slides’, numbering in the thousands. At Vieunite we are proud to be working with the family on digitising this collection and making it available to posterity. As we continue to curate and share his creations, we are sure his impact on the art world is only just beginning.
Ant’s Unique Talent and Vision
Even the quickest glimpse at Ant’s “East End Fashionistas” collection reveals a unique ‘eye’ for character, and, in particular, the way that this is expressed in fashion and style. A more considered review of this work reveals masterly compositional skill. The apparently informal, roving-eye of his street photography is underpinned by a deep understanding of the formal aspects of art. Just look, for instance, at how he uses incidental features such as doorways and street furniture, to frame his subjects.
What is really extraordinary is that this artistry made its way into his editorial projects as well. As the viewer dwells with the work that he made for clients such as Thames and Hudson or Transport for London, experimental shifts can be seen. Have a look now, through the Vieunite Library, and you will see certain ‘tropes’ being played with: an image reflected in a mirror, for instance; a view through a window. There is an artistic depth in Ant’s work. Over the coming months we will be drawing some of these themes together to form curated playlists.
Celebrating Ant’s Legacy
Ant’s dream of exhibiting his work more widely is being realised through current exhibitions featuring his photography, as well as a heartfelt presence on the Vieunite platform. The talent of his work speaks for itself and serves as a testament to his artistic vision and the profound impact he has had on the art community.
We invite you to explore Anthony Webb’s photography on the Vieunite app and sharing it on your Textura digital canvas, allowing his art to transcend time and celebrating the beauty he captured through his lens.
Take a look at Anthony Webb’s website, curated by his family, and learn more about his story, vision, and talent: https://anthony-webb.com/
Vieunite’s mission is to provide a new online art community that combines an alternative platform for artists to sell their work digitally with an innovate digital canvas that has texture accurate display technology. We want to bring art into everyone’s lives in a unique way to give people the chance to creatively express themselves.