Tideway launches new photography prize celebrating a new chapter for the River Thames
A new photo competition launched by the company responsible for London’s super sewer invites photographers to capture a new chapter of health for the River Thames.
The Tideway Prize, launched on World Rivers Day, is seeking entries across three age categories with prizes of up to £2,000 in photography vouchers available for winners and highly-commended photos.
‘Standing by the Thames’ is the theme for the inaugural Tideway Prize – challenging photographers to capture the river as it continues its rejuvenation following the completion of the Tideway project.
The new infrastructure, comprised of a 25km-long tunnel built deep beneath the Thames, intercepts sewage spills that previously polluted the Thames through central London.
Since becoming operational, the super sewer has prevented more than 1,000 spills and intercepted over 20 million tonnes of sewage.
Now, the Tideway Prize is calling on photographers to reconnect with the River Thames and capture this new chapter of health for London’s iconic waterway.
Henrietta Gibb, Director of Impact & Engagement for Tideway, said:
“The River Thames means something different to everyone who encounters it. It is a workplace, a habitat, a place to exercise, meet, travel, explore or simply stop and watch the city go by.
“The Tideway Prize is about capturing those different perspectives and building a picture of what the river means to people today.
“With the super sewer now operational, this is an important new chapter for the Thames. We want people to look at the river afresh and show us what they see.”
‘Standing by the Thames’ reflects both the river itself and Tideway’s long-term commitment to it. For more than a decade, Tideway has been working alongside the Thames – building the super sewer to help protect it from sewage pollution and investing in the places and communities along its banks.
The theme invites photographers to capture the river as it is today: its people, wildlife, industry, infrastructure, landscapes and everyday life, creating a contemporary portrait of a river we have literally and metaphorically stood beside.
It is inspired by a recent photo essay from acclaimed photographer Matthew Joseph, who captured a series of panoramas showcasing the new public spaces created as part of the project – and the people who helped build them. The series was exhibited on Bazalgette Embankment as part of London Rivers Week in May 2026.
Entries to the Tideway Prize could capture anything from people, wildlife and recreation to work, industry, architecture – or everyday moments by the water. Tideway is looking for photographs that offer a personal, surprising or revealing perspective on the river and its place in London life.
Eight prizes will be awarded, with the overall winner receiving £2,000 in photography vouchers. The best photographer aged 16-25 will also receive a half-day mentoring session with Matthew Joseph, who will also deliver a masterclass photography session at the school attended by the best school-age entrant (11-15).
Matthew Joseph said:
“Photographing the people who live and work alongside the Thames for Standing by the Thames showed me just how many stories there are to tell along the river.
“I’m excited to see how other photographers interpret it – particularly the unexpected moments and perspectives that might make the rest of us look at the Thames differently.”
Tideway will also host a public exhibition in the spring of 2027, showcasing the winners, highly-commended and a selection of other notable entries – and creating a new photographic record of the Thames at this significant moment in the river’s history.
Entries to The Tideway Prize open on 27 September 2026 and close at the end of 2026, with judging taking place in January 2027.
For full details and to enter, visit www.tideway.london/the-tideway-prize