Glass Tears (Les Larmes) 1932, by Man Ray © Man Ray Trust/ADAGP, Paris and DACS, London 2016, courtesy Elton John Collection
The exhibition, due to open on 10 November, is billed as an unrivalled selection of classic modernist images from the 1920s to the 1950s.
It will feature more than 150 works by over 60 artists, including Man Ray, Berenice Abbott, Edward Weston and Edward Steichen.
The show marks the beginning of a ‘long-term’ relationship with Sir Elton John.
The rock legend, who has built up the collection over the past 25 years, said: ‘It is a great honour for David and I to lend part of our collection to Tate Modern for this groundbreaking exhibition.
‘The modernist era in photography is one of the key moments within the medium and collecting work from this period has brought me great joy over the last 25 years.
‘Each of these photographs serves as inspiration for me in my life; they line the walls of my homes and I consider them precious gems.
‘We are thrilled to be part of this collaboration with Tate Modern and hope that the exhibition audience experiences as much joy in seeing the works as I have had in finding them.’
Commenting on the exhibition, called ‘The Radical Eye: Modernist Photography from the Sir Elton John Collection’, the gallery said today: ‘The exhibition introduces a crucial moment in the history of photography – an exciting rupture often referred to as the “coming of age” of the medium, when artists used photography as a tool through which they could redefine and transform visions of the modern world.
‘Technological advancements gave artists the freedom to experiment and test the limits of the medium and present the world through a new, distinctly modern visual language.
‘This exhibition will reveal how the timeless genres of the portrait, nude and still life were reimagined through the camera, as well as exploring its unique ability to capture street life and the modern world from a new perspective.’
Self-Portrait 1932, by Herbert Bayer © DACS, 2016, courtesy Elton John Collection
Tate director Nicholas Serota said: ‘This will be a truly unique exhibition.
‘There are few collections of modernist photography in the UK, so we are delighted that Sir Elton John has allowed us to draw on his incredible collection and give everyone a chance to see these iconic works.
‘Coming face-to-face with such masterpieces of photography will be a rare and rewarding experience.’
Shukov Tower 1920, by Alexandr Rodchenko © DACS, 2016, courtesy Elton John Collection
