“We were so young. I don’t think Bailey or anyone had any idea how important the work we were doing was…we were just kids really, I was 18 when I first started working with Bailey. I met him on the roof of Vogue”
-Jean Shrimpton
The 1960s was a decade of change, innovation, and creativity, and at the heart of it all was David Bailey, a photographer whose work not only documented this transformation but helped shape it. Born on this day January 2, 1938 in Essex, England, Bailey’s vision, as seen through his work in this era, was innovative and influential. His unique perspective provided a fresh approach to fashion, celebrity, and photography that still resonates in the industry today.
David Bailey’s most iconic work from the 1960s can be seen in his “Box of Pin-Ups”, a collection of raw and real portrait photographs of well-known figures from the decade. This body of work encapsulates the spirit of the time – edgy, unapologetic, and rebellious. The monochrome portraits were not just snapshots of celebrities; they were intimate studies of personalities, revealing a side to them that was rarely seen. The “Box of Pin-Ups” includes many popular figures such as John Lennon, Mick Jagger, and Andy Warhol among others. Each portrait is a testament to Bailey’s ability to capture the essence of his subject with his lens.
One cannot discuss Bailey’s work in the 1960s without mentioning “Blow-Up”, the cinematic masterpiece directed by Michelangelo Antonioni that was heavily inspired by Bailey’s life and career. The photographer’s influence on the film was undeniable, from the lead character’s rebellious spirit to the high-paced energy of the fashion and photography world. “Blow-Up” was a testament to Bailey’s impact on the industry and society as a whole – he wasn’t just capturing the zeitgeist of the time; he was helping to shape it.
David Bailey’s 1960s eye was transformative. His approach to photography challenged traditional norms and expectations, creating a new visual language that still influences contemporary photography. His work in the “Box of Pin-Ups” and his influence on “Blow-Up” highlight his talent and contribution to the field. Looking through his 1960s eye provides a glimpse into a time of radical change, seen through the lens of one of its most influential figures. His work from this era remains a testament to the power of photography to capture, influence, and inspire.
“I photographed women the way I saw them on the streets. People could identify with Jean because I didn’t make her look like a stuffed shop mannequin. Suddenly she was someone you could touch, or maybe even take to bed”
–David Bailey
