The Gallery has developed a reputation as the UK's primary venue for contemporary photography. One of its major achievements has been to establish photography within a wide viewing public, making it more popular and accessible. The gallery was the first in the country to show key names in world photography such as André Kertesz, Jaques-Henri Lartigue and Irving Penn, and has been instrumental in encouraging the inclusion of photography in the programme of leading galleries and museums. An integrated programme of exhibitions and educational events continues to present the most innovative developments in photography as well as nurturing new talent.