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Hugh Hill: The Urban Eye

City Hall , London SE1

To 1 April

Star Rating: 5/5

Three years of Hugh Hill's photos documenting life on the streets of London are gathered in this exhibition. Many of the images portray scenes of homelessness that will be familiar to those of us working in Britain's towns and cities, writes Mark Drinkwater.

Some photographs are of groups of people sleeping rough or drinking on the streets. Others are sensitive individual portraits. Each is accompanied by detailed background information and biographical details of the subjects that provide insight into the otherwise private worlds.

Hill has gained the trust of some of the most vulnerable people on the streets and the results are some remarkable photographs.

At the launch, Hill seemed at ease talking to people from all strata in society - skills essential to developing a rapport with his subjects.

It would have been interesting to get more background information on how Hill's philosophy and values guide him on the ethical dilemmas inherent in this type of photography.

For example, how did he judge he had obtained the consent of people with severe mental health problems or those heavily intoxicated?

This fascinating exhibition, part of a series of events organised by the Greater London Authority related to equality, reminds us that the gap between the wealthy and the poor in the capital is shockingly wide.

Mark Drinkwater is a community worker in Southwark, south London.