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This October, the Rudolfinum Gallery became the setting for an exceptional cultural event. For the very first time, the celebrated British photographer Mary McCartney, whose name is synonymous with the intimate power of the portrait, sensitivity, and humanity, is presenting her work to a Czech audience. The exhibition, titled Mary McCartney by PLAYCE, was officially opened on Tuesday, 7th October 2025, with a vernissage for friends and clients of the jewellery house BVLGARI, one of the event’s partners. The artist herself was in attendance, along with the gallery’s director, Julia Tatiana Bailey, and VIP guests including model Tereza Maxová and faces of the BVLGARI brand, Ivana Mentlová and Viktoria Ortner.
Curated by Martina Lowe, with whom the artist has a long-standing collaboration, the exhibition offers a selection of iconic pieces from the photographer’s thirty-year career. It was conceived especially for the 26th edition of Designblok, the main theme of which is “Courage”. Mary McCartney responded to this theme with a selection of works that celebrate the strength of the female form, both physical and psychological. “I focused on strong women and the female figure. Some of the images are more anonymous, while others create a strong connection with the viewer,” says the artist.
Visitors can admire portraits of famous personalities such as Stella McCartney and Kate Moss. It is her portrait of Moss, in fact, that graces the cover of the latest issue of Lock in SUITE magazine, which also features an extensive article on Mary McCartney’s work. However, the exhibition also presents anonymous faces that carry powerful emotions.
McCartney’s work is renowned for its deep understanding and its ability to capture the essence of a moment. “My portrait style is very personal, real, and informal. I believe that’s why people trust me. They don’t expect a sensation from me, but understanding,” the photographer explains. This intimacy is palpable in every photograph, and the viewer thus becomes a silent observer and a participant in the captured stories.
The main partner of the exhibition is the PLAYCE project by entrepreneur Richard Fuxa, which will introduce a unique concept combining art and luxury in the centre of Prague in 2027. “The partnership with Mary McCartney’s exhibition is no coincidence—it connects a powerful artistic gesture with the vision of a place that comes with the idea of shaping the cultural scene,” says Fuxa. The exhibition is also supported by the Bvlgari brand, which recently affirmed its love for the arts by establishing the Fondazione Bvlgari in 2024.
Mary McCartney (b. 1969) was born into an exceptionally creative family and has been a professional photographer since the 1990s. She has gained international acclaim not only for her unique style but also for her deeply human approach. In 2015, she was chosen to create the official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II to mark her historic reign as the longest-serving monarch. In addition to photography, she is also a successful documentary filmmaker and cookbook author, combining portraits with personal stories and recipes.
The exhibition is open to the public free of charge until 2nd November 2025.
