As tends to happen through the passing of time, the meaning of Rudeboy has evolved and departed from its roots. The term has been incorporated into the music scenes of ragga, dancehall, jungle and grime but this exhibition intends to firmly place the style choices and attitudes of this sharply dressed subculture back with its origins. And with the presence of so many modern-day Rudie’s, the scene is evidently undergoing a significant revival.

The expert creative team behind this exhibition haven’t gone for your bog standard photography or fashion exhibition. They have instead sought to bring back the feeling and sense of this scene, reinforcing that subcultures are not simple a matter of sartorial style but also lifestyle choices, attitudes, music tastes and belief systems. Each participant has submitted their own playlist which will accompany the show and act as a sonic backdrop to the experience. Attention to style being a must for the discerning Rudie, there will also be a Rudeboy barber in-house for visitors to book and briefcases designed specifically for the exhibition. The exhibition is also supported by a series of events and movies. (Words: Laura Thornley)

On from 13th June to 25th August. For more info visit: www.somersethouse.org.uk/visual-arts/return-of-the-rudeboy

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In its early phase, the archive was led by a field of experts including ornithologist and explorer Tom Harrisson, and journalist and poet Charles Madge. There were also contributions from anthropologists and filmmaker Humphrey Jennings, photographer Humphrey Spender and artists William Coldstream and Julian Trevelyan. These key figures worked in various areas of everyday life to collect anecdotal evidence through artistic means. Directives were issued and volunteers from around the country assigned tasks. The material collected covered a fascinating range of interests from what people placed on their mantelpiece, conversations in pubs, up until the present questions of how people felt about the smoking ban.

This exhibition will focus on all photographic aspects of the mammoth task taken on by the archive, which has, as a happy by-product of the social experiment, traced the way photography and its uses has evolved in society. Since we are such big fans of photography at TCé, we can’t wait to see the differing ways photographs have been put to work throughout history. This exhibition will show both the amateur and professional uses of photography, but also the function of photographs in our society. We think it’ll be an eye-opener. (Words: Laura Thornley)

On until September 29th. For more info visit: www.thephotographersgallery.org.uk/mass-observation-2

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If you haven’t been to the Maritime museum and you didn’t watch the equestrian events during the Olympics (or that’s the story you’re telling your friends anyway), then prepare to be impressed. The building dates back to the 1800s and it’s safe to say, it’s pretty grand, making it so suited to the dramatic and awe-inspiring images Adams is so famous for. The exhibition consists of 100 original prints and illustrates his passion for how water moves and exists within nature. His photographic murals will also be displaying reaching a fantastic 3 metres high.

The power of nature has certainly been felt in America recently – the cause of which is often cited as climate change. If there are any doubters of what climate change signals the end of, then this is the exhibition to convince them – the beauty of nature in all its power and glory. (Words: Laura Thornley)

From 9 November 2012–28 April 2013 at the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. For more info visit: www.rmg.co.uk/visit/events/ansel-adams

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