Aerial photographs to rival Google Earth

Crouched in the back of a twin-engine light aircraft, the Swiss-born aerial photographer Georg Gerster spent more than 300 hours photographing Persia from above, between 1976-78. The result is the book Paradise Lost, an archive of rare and beautiful images of Iran. 14 large fine art prints taken from Gerster's series: Persia: Paradise Lost are currently on show at Lichfield Studios, London (until 20 May).

Organised by Tristan Hoare and Maryam Sachs - who provided the accompanying text to Gerster's photographs for the book: Paradise Lost - the exhibition reveals a unique record of Persia's diverse landscape and most significant archaelogical sites.

Gerster was given unusal permission by the Empress Farah to record the landscape of Iran. Phaidon.com gained special access and spoke to the Empress and Gerster about the project and the importance of such photographs that capture a world far removed from the reality of Iran today.

'Altitude provides overview,' explained Gerster 'overview provides insight, while insight eventually, I hope, leads to respect and consideration.'

Charlotte Eder