We explore the iconic fashion photographer's visual study of his east London stomping ground
Who? David Bailey, iconic fashion photographer and documenter of London's Swinging Sixties, will next month return to his hometown of Newham for an exhibition dedicated to his old stomping ground to coincide with the Olympic showdown.
What? Entitled David Bailey's East End, and located at a new exhibition space at the Royal Docks (not far from Bailey’s old neighbourhood), the show will be split into three sections featuring images from the 60s, 80s and the present day. Through Bailey’s applauded lens, viewers can consider the physical and social changes to the East End landscape over the years, from its bombed out, worn down state during the notorious Kray twins' (portraits of whom will also feature) reign of terror, to the recent, significant changes to the area in the run up to the London Olympics. Street scenes and more intimate portraits of residents will form the main body of work on display, shedding light on the blonde, glitzy Peggy Mitchell-esque characters of the 60s era as well as the diverse range of cultures which now form such a vital part of the area’s cosmopolitan appeal.
“London’s East End is in my DNA and I am thrilled to be able to return to my roots in Newham. Now the rest of the world will focus on an area I've been looking at all my life"
Why? As the world gears up for the Olympics, the exhibition is a brilliant occasion for locals and tourists alike to learn more of the East End’s history via one of Britain’s legendary photographers. But above all it is a celebration – from Newham’s point of view, a chance to honour and showcase a local hero, as the Newham mayor enthused, “This is a fantastic coup for our borough…David is a true Newham boy.” While for Bailey it is an opportunity to warmly reminisce and revisit: “London’s East End is in my DNA and I am thrilled to be able to return to my roots in Newham. Now the rest of the world will focus on an area I've been looking at all my life.”
David Bailey's East End is part of the CREATE summer programme, sponsored by Deutsche Bank, and will be on display at Compressor House, Royal Docks from July 6 - August 5.
