Sotheby’s London celebrate David Bailey in unique exhibition

Auctions

Sotheby’s London introduces works by legendary British photographer David Bailey in selling exhibition named Bailey’s Parade.

David Bailey

Jean Shrimpton, 1961

“There is no one else like David Bailey. Arriving onto the scene in the early sixties, Bailey was quick to flip the status quo, thrusting London’s edgy scene into the spotlight. Without knowing, he made London’s East End cool and for it to be cool to be creative. And what a coup it is for Sotheby’s to collaborate with David Bailey for the first time, offering this exceptional group of works that showcase the breadth of his unique photographic practice which defined the 1960s and left an indelible mark on global culture for generations that followed.”

—  Brandei Estes, Head of Photographs, Sotheby’s London

David Bailey, born in Leystone in 1938, is a British fashion and portrait photographer. Early on in his youth, Bailey became extremely fond of natural history, which led him into photography. Suffering from undiagnosed dyslexia and dyspraxia, Bailey quit school and commenced his professional journey. After several dead end jobs and a short spell in the Royal Air Force Bailey acquired a Canon Rangefinder camera determined to pursue a career in photography. His scholastic records prevented him for joining the London College of Printing but became second assistant to David Ollins. In 1959 he joined the John French Studio as an assistant before moving to British Vogue as a fashion photographer.

Bailey, along with Terence Donovan and Brian Duffy, created the “Swinging London” of the 60s. He very quickly gained the celebrity status himself by socialising with actors, musicians and royalty. The 60s were a period characterised by self expression and fulfilment. The rise of ‘popocracy’ culture based on music, television, fashion and politics led Bailey to release his Box of Pin-ups, a series of images, which included artists Mick Jagger, John Lennon, David Hockney, Jean Shrimpton, as well as many others.

Bailey at the height of his career inspired the 1966 film Blow-up, which portrays the life of a London based photographer. His cult status has now surpassed many of his subjects making the exhibition a must-see.

Curated by Bailey himself and available to view at Sotheby’s London between the 9th March -22nd April 2022, Bailey’s parade showcases some of the artist’s most iconic works from the 60s to date. Amongst the works are some of his most celebrated portraits referenced above, over paintings and still life studies.