The Blink of an Eye: New exhibition explores the 'snapshot' world of Jacques-Henri Lartigue

Lartigue took his first photograph in 1900 at the age of six, and thanks to a privileged upbringing – his father was a banker, and the family were part of the French bourgeoisie – the photographer had access to the lives of the pre-war upper classes.

The show will feature some of Lartigue's best-loved work, with many of the photographs portraying his muses, Bibi, Rene Perle and Chou Valton, as well as his wife, Florette.

"The photographs of sun-drenched holidays on the French Riviera, fast cars and casual strolls down the promenade between the Wars crystallise the image of la Belle Epoque.

"However, what makes this show different is William Boyd's keen take on Lartigue's ability to make the perfect 'snapshot' before the snapshot was invented. He had the extraordinary ability to reveal the truth of the moment with such simplicity where his prodigious and child-like manner served this style so well."

The exhibition opens at The Michael Hoppen Gallery on 8 June and runs until 9 August 2016.