Cold Water Swimmers of Tooting Bec Lido

© Tom Harrison

Cold Water Swimmers of Tooting Bec Lido, is a new exhibition in our second gallery space, ‘Gallery 2’. The exhibition features 14 captivating portraits by Lambeth-based photographer, Tom Harrison.

As a regular swimmer at Tooting Bec Lido, Tom set out to document the unique energy of those who brave its icy waters. Each subject was photographed immediately after their swim, capturing the rawness, exhilaration and endorphin-fuelled glow that cold water swimming brings. The portraits reveal not just the physical impact but also the deep sense of resilience, vitality and community fostered at the Lido.

Tooting Bec Lido, the largest freshwater pool in England, has been a South London landmark since 1906. More than a century later, it remains a space for both recreation and reflection, bringing together people from all walks of life through their love of cold-water swimming.

Tom’s photography spans advertising commissions and documentary projects, with a focus on people and their passions. His previous series include The Mudlarks of London, exploring those who scour the Thames foreshore for historic artifacts, and The Referees of Hackney Marshes, a tribute to amateur football officials. His ability to capture joy, resilience, and human connection is a defining feature of his work.

Tom’s work has been widely published, and he was a winner of the British Journal of Photography’s prestigious 2025 Portrait of Britain Award.

This exhibition is supported by Capture One.

Gallery 2 is Photofusion’s second Gallery space, designated to support work in and around Lambeth and by Lambeth based visual artists and practitioners.