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Gerhard Steidl is the latest recipient of the 'Outstanding Contribution to Photography 2020' from the Sony World Photography Awards.

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This is the first time in the Awards' history that the 'Outstanding Contribution to Photography' will be presented to someone other than a photographer. Steidl will be honoured at the Awards' ceremony in London on 16 April for his work with photographers and the significant impact of his photobooks.

To celebrate his achievements, a presentation of Steidl’s bookmaking process and approximately 80 of his most acclaimed publications will go on display as part of the Sony World Photography Awards 2020 exhibition at London’s iconic Somerset House. 

Talking about his award, Gerhard Steidl said: I'm honoured to be the Outstanding Contribution to Photography 2020 recipient. As a printer and publisher, one of the things I love most about photobooks is that they’re a democratic medium; they bring photography to a wider audience. In this spirit, I’m particularly excited about creating the exhibition One Love, One Book: Steidl Book Culture. The Photobook as Multiple at Somerset House. It’s a chance to show some of our most ambitious books, share some bookmaking secrets, and hopefully to inspire the next generation of bookmakers."

The exhibition runs 17 April - 4 May 2020 at Somerset House, London.

Last year, Nadav Kander was awarded the 'Outstanding Contribution to Photography' accolade.