THE LAMBERT PHILLIPS FOUNDATION
Founded by Scottish-born artist and documentary photographer Grace Lambert-Phillips during the unprecedented global events of 2020, The Lambert Phillips Foundation brings the art of storytelling to life through the powerful mediums of photography, film, and written word. We operate on a project and commission basis, with all profits reinvested into the foundation’s work, which is deeply committed to the preservation of art and culture. We believe that the future of our society hinges on the strength of our creative and cultural communities. At the heart of thriving societies lies a place where culture and art are nurtured and safeguarded. Our mission is to create spaces where artistic and creative environments can flourish, offering creative spaces, learning opportunities, artist residencies, hospitality within living art spaces, and an atmosphere in which art permeates everything we do and share.
Our past projects, including 5/4 Portraits of Humanity—which explores human connection—and I See Your Strength—which celebrates the resilient spirit of women—have been instrumental in shaping the foundation’s purpose. The first official project, Stories of Isolation, launched in March 2020, is an anthropological, documentary photography initiative that gathers and shares the work of photojournalists from around the world. It has gained an international following, raising awareness for essential human stories.
Originally established in London and now based in Florence, The Lambert Phillips Foundation collaborates with public and independent charities, institutions, and companies, currently focusing on projects dedicated to preserving and documenting the culture and traditions of Italy. In parallel, we are developing our first private studio, darkroom, and gallery at Villa La Posta, an 18th-century historical villa in Monteriggioni, Tuscany.
Among our ongoing projects are Reimagining the Grand Tour, a photographer’s journey documenting Italy through the eyes of a 21st-century traveller; Approaching Art, a series of interviews exploring art through conversations with artists; and Venice is a Sound, a celluloid record of a city in peril.
On September 19th, 2024, we launched Disclosures, our first curated presentation in Florence. This exhibition explores how the city has been affected by tourism and how this dynamic shifted during 2020.
GRACE LAMBERT-PHILLIPS
Grace Lambert-Phillips shares stories of connection and culture through her powerful lens, documenting life with an unwavering dedication to the art of photography. Her journey into photography began in Scotland, where as a young student, she developed a deep appreciation for the raw, experiential process of working with film. This early immersion in black-and-white street photography laid the foundation for a career devoted to storytelling through images.
Having established herself as a documentary photographer, Grace’s career took a defining turn during a serendipitous meeting with renowned artist Jack Vettriano in Scotland. She photographed a series of portraits of Vettriano and, in turn, became his muse, contributing to his paintings and exchanging creative expressions. Her collaboration with Vettriano marked the beginning of a broader artistic journey, one that led her to curate several independent photography exhibitions. Grace worked alongside a diverse array of charities, public and private institutions, and companies across France, the UK, and Italy, earning a reputation as a visual storyteller. Her images serve as a medium for initiating important conversations around vital social issues.
In 2018, she was invited by the London-based charity Youmanity to explore the theme of suicide through her work. This collaboration resulted in What Does Friendship Mean to You?, a compelling series of portraits and dialogues on human connection. These powerful pieces were exhibited in Westminster and displayed at London’s DLR stations throughout 2019 and 2021, sparking deep reflections on the importance of friendship and mental health.
In 2020, Grace founded The Lambert Phillips Foundation, a platform for her ongoing commitment to storytelling through visual art. Through the foundation, she continues to expand her portfolio of documentary photography, capturing the rich cultural history of Europe. Now dividing her time between Tuscany and Venice, Grace is also focused on writing. She is currently working on her first book, Only the Deepest Red, which recounts her personal journey and connection with Vettriano, while shedding light on the vital topics of tourism, the preservation of Italy’s cultural heritage, and the beauty of its timeless landscapes.
EXHIBITIONS
