Some of the world’s most famous images over the past half-century that define life in the late 20th and early 21st century go on show at Canary Wharf next week.

East London Advertiser: L Enfant, better known as the �Athena� poster. Picture: Spencer RowellL Enfant, better known as the �Athena� poster. Picture: Spencer Rowell (Image: Spencer Rowell)

The display includes iconic photographs from the past 50 years by top photographers.

A group of leading advertising and fashion photographers formed the Association of Photographers in 1968 promoting their rights and copyright protection as well as promoting their work.

Today it is one of the most prestigious professional associations in the world, its aims remaining the same as 50 years ago.

East London Advertiser: L Enfant, better known as the �Athena� poster. Picture: Spencer RowellL Enfant, better known as the �Athena� poster. Picture: Spencer Rowell (Image: Spencer Rowell)

The exhibition includes L’Enfant by Spencer Rowell, better known as the Athena poster, and the famous Pregnant Man 1969 poster by Alan Brooking, with the caption ‘Would you be more careful if it was you that got pregnant?’

Other images in the exhibition show Mandela by Jillian Edelstein, an intimate portrait of Nelson Mandela captured off-guard, and Mike & Baby with Gun taken in Dallas by Zed Nelson, showing a Texan posing with a gun seemingly pointing at a baby, from the series Gun Nation.

The photographs have been selected to illustrate the impact and diversity of their work since 1968, which have been seen by people the world over.

East London Advertiser: L Enfant, better known as the �Athena� poster. Picture: Spencer RowellL Enfant, better known as the �Athena� poster. Picture: Spencer Rowell (Image: Spencer Rowell)

Some show celebrities and stars in major advertising campaigns. Others document some of the world’s turning points—wars, famine and humanitarian disasters.

Many images have defined a generation, and helped to shape public opinion and create change.

The free ‘Images that Defined the Age’ exhibition opens April 17 at One Canada Square, Canary Wharf, and runs till June 1.