Swinging Sixties London: Groundbreaking Photography In The Capital Of Cool
Photographers Terence Donovan and Brian Duffy, well known for their catchy portraits of models, musicians and actors, shape our image of the Swinging Sixties, are as widely known as the stars and socialites they shot, and perhaps just as infamous as well.
Terence Donovan
These were self-made boys from the poor East End of London. Donovan excels with his fashion photography, narrating series and moving portraits of female and male models. Duffy shot iconic photographs of famous models and personalities like Grace Coddington, Jane Birkin, Mick Jagger and Michael Caine.
Thermodynamic, 1960
Terence Donovan
With their groundbreaking style and technique, they rebelled against the day’s leading photographers, John French and Norman Parkinson, who themselves were important for British fashion photography in their own right, and had proven to be influential pioneers in the preceding decennia. Also Eric Swayne, whose archive was recently rediscovered, is featured in the exhibition. Swayne was in close contact with rock stars and top models, which is how he managed to shoot his intimate portraits. John Cowan made the optimism of his generation visible by literally letting his models kiss the sky. James Barnor’s photographs, featuring British-African models, demonstrate the social changes of the time.
Traffic, 1960
Norman Parkinson Ltd
Twiggy, 1966
Terence Donovan
The Blue Wave, shot for French Elle, May 1966
Duffy © Duffy Archive
Jerry Hall and Antonio Lopez, May 1975
Norman Parkinson
Mick Jagger, 1964
Eric Swayne
Jane Birkin, 1965
Eric Swayne
Grace Coddington, 1966
Eric Swayne
Michael Caine, 1964
Duffy © Duffy Archive
Celia Hammond, 1962
Terence Donovan
Keith Richards, 1964
Eric Swayne
Flying high, 1966 (Jill Kennington)
John Cowan
Jean Shrimpton
Duffy © Duffy Archive
Melanie Hampshire and Jill Kennington, 1963
Norman Parkinson
French Elle – London Police Box
Duffy © Duffy Archive
Pauline Stone with Apple, for Town Magazine, 1962
Duffy © Duffy Archive