Τo be beside the sea...

Based on Nikos Politis’ remarkable collection of vernacular Greek photography, this exhibition chronicles the discovery by Greeks of the joys of the seaside during the first half of the 20th century.  Bathers, at first venturing forth nervously from the shelter of wooden bathing machines, strollers in blazers and straw boaters, families in their Sunday best, bathing beauties in all-enveloping black swimsuits, romantically-inclined amateur sailors, energetic athletes, festive diners in seaside restaurants and the rowdy or studious members of touring clubs parade across this cross-section of Greek social history.