An exhibition by a renowned UK photographer celebrating Britain’s links with India is launching in Brent ahead of a two-year national tour.

The Tim Smith exhibition, entitled ‘India’s Gateway’, will be displayed at the Brent Civic Centre in Engineers Way and at the Library at Willesden Green until September 27.

The exhibition, the first to be held in the new library, reflects upon 400 years of history of Gujarat and Mumbai as age-old centres of trade and migration, focusing on their links with Britain.

Incorporating photography and film, there are stories of Gujarati locals and a chance to explore the lives and experiences of the communities that live there today.

Tim Smith said: “My work is inspired by Gujarat’s vibrant mix of cultures, and how that mix has been shaped by the region’s rich history of trade, seafaring and migration.

“It’s been great to work with the different Gujarati communities both here and in India, lots of people have contributed stories and ideas to the show.”

Cllr James Denselow, cabinet member for stronger communities at Brent Council, said: “Brent has a large Indian population who over the decades have contributed so much to life in the borough, helping to make Brent the place it is today.

“So, as well as being a wonderful way to celebrate borough’s close ties with two parts of India, in Gujarat and Mumbai, this exhibition also provides an opportunity for residents who have no ties with these areas to broaden their horizons a little further and learn new things about a different part of the world.

“It is also an excellent opportunity to explore film and photography as an art form and appreciate the talents of those who have contributed to this project.

“I very much welcome this exhibition to Brent and wish it every success on its nationwide tour.”

The exhibition has been organised by Tim Smith and Oriental Arts Ltd, working alongside Brent Museum & Archives and is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.