This is a blog visit my London Shoes undertook a few weeks ago now – but I’ve only just got around to putting it all together – sorting out the photos – doing a bit of research – drafting it up – and today…..publishing it.
I meant to publish it a lot earlier as the subject matter is only gonna be in situ for a few weeks more – but – there’s still time to pop along and see it if the topic floats-your-boat and you’re down in the ‘Smoke’.
So – this blog article is all about the “BRIGHT LIGHTS-BIG CITY” photographic exhibition currently being held at the ‘Iconic Images Gallery’ located in Waterloo Place, down Pall Mall way.
The magnificent Iconic Images Gallery building in Waterloo Place used to be the home of the ‘Confederation of Spanish Banks’ a collective banking institution of Spanish banks – it had previously been owned by Barings Bank. I believe that at one stage, it was ‘on-the-market’ for £71m.
The buildings ‘banking hall/concourse’ is ideal for presenting an exhibition of art-work – and its ‘upstairs’ is the ideal vantage point to look down on exhibits. Architecturally, a truly wonderful building.
The amazing ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition is crammed full of historic and iconic photos from legends of rock/pop music / film / theatre / politics / sport and even Royalty – the photos/images being done by the top photographers of the time, when the photos were taken.
A lot of these photos/images are now viewed as all time classics – and as the old saying goes ‘every picture tells a story’ – well – these now legendary photos can certainly tell a tale or two about the moment, and the social vibe that was around, at the times they were taken.
The exhibition contains photos from the now considered legendary photographers such as Gered Mankowitz / Terry O’Neil / Ted Williams / Douglas Kirkland / Daniel Sackheim / Eve Arnold / Sonia Moskowitz /Allan Tannenbaum / Dafydd Jones– plus many others.
Now – I have always admired the works of both Gered Mankowitz and Terry O’Neill – because, all the way through my teens (late 1960’s and early 70’s) I was an avid reader of both the ‘Melody Maker’ and ‘New Musical Express’ papers – and more often than not, their works would be on the front cover or inside these papers.
Quite simply – as a teenager, reading every single sentence of those 2 weekly papers and scrutinising every single photo – was the absolute highlight of my week (I was easily pleased) – I learnt so much about music and artists and venues from those publications, and that knowledge has stayed with me all these years, and still interests me.
Anyone who, like me – was around during that period, would immediately recognise the works of Gered Mankowitz and Terry O’Neil – without necessarily knowing who the photographers were – and obviously, seeing their collective works at this ‘Bright Lights Big City’ exhibition – has enabled me to learn more about these two legends in their field.
Gered Mankowitz born in 1946 is a Londoner and had a photographic studio in Mason’s Yard off Duke Street in the St. James-Piccadilly district of London.
Throughout the 1960’s he photographed the likes of Jimi Hendrix / The Stones / Free / Traffic / The Yardbirds / The Small Faces / Suzie Quatro / Sweet / Elton John / Kate Bush / The Eurythmics / ABC / Duran Duran plus many more – and the majority of the photos/images he created for these artists, are still referred to and used to this day, some 50/40+ years later.
My personal favourites of Mankowitz work is the stuff he’s done with The Rolling Stones and Jimi Hendrix back in the 60’s – also his later work throughout the 1970’s, especially the stuff he did with The Jam.
Terry O’Neill – is another one of my favourite ‘rock’ photographers – his work would also adorn the front covers of the NME and Melody Maker that the teenage me would scrutinise every week – and some of those now legendary photos, still resonate with me and fascinate me, to this day.
I guess the most notable and immediately recognised piece of work that Terry O’Neill did (that the ‘masses’ would know about) is the artwork for David Bowie’s 1973 released “Aladdin Sane” album – where the front cover of the album has Bowie’s face with the noticeable flash going down it – and the inside gate-fold has a full image Bowie, presented like a model on the old Pirrelli Calendars (which Terry O’Neil also did).
Anyway – the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition not only displays the work of my 2 personal favourite photographers – it has hundreds of exhibits from other prominent photographers throughout the post-war decades – with brilliant photos ranging from such diverse subjects as Marylin Monroe – Frank Sinatra – Audrey Hepburn – Mohammed Ali – The Rolling Stones – Bridget Bardot – David Bowie – James Brown – John Lennon – Peter Cook & Dudley Moore….plus hundreds more.
With the amazing and historic material on display, all within the ambiance of this magnificent building – plus the fact that entry is ‘free’ – the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition, really is a unique experience, well worth seeing.
So – having thoroughly enjoyed a good couple of hours ambling around the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition – its was time for a little liquid refreshment before setting off back home.
Now – at the suggestion of one of the very helpful staff at the exhibition – I headed off to the “Golden Lion” in King Street-St. James’s – a pub steeped in history.
The Golden Lion has a narrow frontage, and from the street it looks like its been squashed in between the modern concrete buildings either side of it.
However – there’s been a licenced premises on the site since the late 1600’s – although the pub building has been re-built a few times since then.
Between 1835 to 1957 the “St. James’s Theatre” stood next door to the pub – and the upstairs bar of the ‘Golden Lion’ could be accessed by theatre goers – so the place has a massive theatrical connection as seen by the various items of memorabilia on display.
Anyway – the Golden Lion, a very interesting and cosy pub – well worth a visit.
So – that’s the ‘Iconic Images Gallery’ – ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ visit for you – I’m just sorry that it’s taken me a few weeks to put this article together and publish it – however – I believe the exhibition runs until mid-May, so if you are into this sort of stuff and find yourself in the Piccadilly area – then do try and get to see it – you certainly won’t be disappointed.
______________________________
See below the entire gallery of photos taken to support this blog article
The “BRIGHT LIGHTS-BIG CITY” photographic exhibition is currently being held at the ‘Iconic Images Gallery’ located in Waterloo Place-SW1 – down Pall Mall way.
The ‘Iconic Images Gallery’ archives contain historic and classic images from the world of fashion, rock, film, politics and royalty by photographers who were pioneers in their field.
The Iconic Images Gallery building used to be the home of the ‘Confederation of Spanish Banks’ a collective banking institution of Spanish banks – it had previously been owned by Barings Bank
Me – outside the Iconic Images Gallery in Waterloo Place-SW1 – currently hosting the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition
Entry to the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition at the Iconic Images Gallery in Waterloo Place-SW1
The main promo image used for the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition
The ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition inside the Iconic Images Gallery
The ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition inside the Iconic Images Gallery
Throughout my teens (late 1960’s and early 70’s) I was an avid reader of both the ‘Melody Maker’ and ‘New Musical Express’ papers – and more often than not, their works would be on the front cover or inside these papers – publications that often had photos of now legendary ‘rock’ photographers ‘Gered Mankowitz’ & the late ‘Terry O’Neill’
Throughout my teens (late 1960’s and early 70’s) I was an avid reader of both the ‘Melody Maker’ and ‘New Musical Express’ papers – and more often than not, their works would be on the front cover or inside these papers – publications that would often contain photos of now legendary ‘rock’ photographers ‘Gered Mankowitz’ & the late ‘Terry O’Neill’
Throughout my teens (late 1960’s and early 70’s) I was an avid reader of both the ‘Melody Maker’ and ‘New Musical Express’ papers – and more often than not, their works would be on the front cover or inside these papers – publications that would often contain photos of now legendary ‘rock’ photographers ‘Gered Mankowitz’ & the late ‘Terry O’Neill’
Throughout my teens (late 1960’s and early 70’s) I was an avid reader of both the ‘Melody Maker’ and ‘New Musical Express’ papers – and more often than not, their works would be on the front cover or inside these papers – publications that would often contain photos of now legendary ‘rock’ photographers ‘Gered Mankowitz’ & the late ‘Terry O’Neill’
The Pin-Ups’ album cover image of David Bowie & Twiggy – by photographer Justin De Villeneuve – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition – at the Iconic Images Gallery-Waterloo Place-SW1
Legendary ‘rock’ photographer ‘Gered Mankowitz’ now classic portrait of Jimi Hendrix – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition
Photographer “Michael Joseph’s” – 1968 released ‘Beggars Banquet’ album image – on display at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition
On display at the ‘ Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – a photo of Mick Jagger trying to remove Keith Richards boot – on stage at the 1968 ‘Rock and Roll Circus event – the photo was taken by The Stones long time bassist ‘Bill Wyman’
Me – at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – at the Iconic Images Gallery – Waterloo place-SW1
The later Terry O’Neill’s photo of The Rolling Stones making their way to a rehearsal studio – in London’s Soho area. On display at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition.
Gered Mankowitz now classic image of The Rolling Stones – taken in Mason’s Yard-London SW1 – where Mankowitz studio was located
Terry O’Neil – is another one of my favourite ‘rock’ photographers – his work would also adorn the front covers of the NME and Melody Maker that the teenage me would scrutinise every week
Probably the most notable and immediately recognised piece of work that Terry O’Neil did (that the ‘masses’ would know about) is the artwork for David Bowie’s 1973 released “Aladdin Sane” album
Me – alongside a David Bowie ‘The Man Who Fell To Earth’ film image – on display at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – at the Iconic Images Gallery – Waterloo place-SW1
The ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition inside the Iconic Images Gallery
A photo images of Paul McCartney on the London Underground – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition-the Iconic Images Gallery-SW1 – Photo taken by his then wife, the late Linda McCartney
A photo images of Linda McCartney on the London Underground – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition-the Iconic Images Gallery-SW1 – Photo taken by Paul McCartney
Photographer Michael Brennan’s now classic photo of the late John Lennon – sitting on a kitchen worktop. On display at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition.
The late photographer Terry O’Neill’s now classic ‘Michael Caine’ image – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery-Waterloo Place-London SW1
A Terry O’Neill image of Bruce Springsteen – with his ‘Born to Run’ album being advertised on a billboard in the background. On display at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery-Waterloo Place-SW1
A close-up of Bruce Springsteen
Me – alongside the ‘Beggars Banquet’ album cover image – on display at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – at the Iconic Images Gallery – Waterloo place-SW1
A now famous photo by photographer Ed Caraeff of Elton John performing in the US. On display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery-London SW1
A quality photo of our late Queen Elizabeth II – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery
A now well known photo of legendary boxers Mohammed Ali and Joe Frazier. On display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery-London SW1
The ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition inside the Iconic Images Gallery
Photographer Allan Tannenbaum image of James Brown (the Godfather of Soul) – taken in New York. On display at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery – London SW1
Just some of the excellent images on display at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery – London SW1
The late great Terry O’Neill’s now iconic image of Bridget Bardot – On display at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition-London SW1
The ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition inside the Iconic Images Gallery
Images of 2 James Bond’s – Sean Connery and Roger Moore – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition
A humorous image of Sean Connery (as James Bond) – playing golf on the Moon
Photos images on display at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery – Waterloo Place-SW1
A now famous photo of Peter Cook & Dudley Moore on Broadway-New York – on display at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery-Waterloo Place-SW1
Me – at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – at the Iconic Images Gallery – Waterloo place-SW1
A now all time classic image of the New York skyline taken from the Empire State Building – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery-Waterloo Place-London SW1
A lovely photo of Audrey Hepburn – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition
A photo of Audrey Hepburn on Broadway NY – looking up at her name in lights for the 1951 production of ‘Gigi’
The ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – at the Iconic Images Gallery – Waterloo Place-SW1
The iconic Bridget Bardot image alongside the Stones ‘Beggars Banquet’ album cover photo – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition.
An autographed photo of Brian Wilson and the Beach Boys recording their Pet Sounds album.
An early photo of the Beach Boys ‘live’ on stage – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition.
The classic Gered Mankowitz photo of The Jam – under the West Way. On display at the ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery
Me – alongside Terry O’Neill’s image of Michael Caine
The ‘Bright Lights-Big City’ exhibition – at the Iconic Images Gallery – Waterloo place-SW1
An image of David Bowie in his Man who Fell to Earth era – photo taken by one of Bowie’s close friends ‘Geoff McCormack – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery-Waterloo Place-London SW1
More images of David Bowie from his late 1970’s post Ziggy era
A reflective image of the late great Freddie Mercury – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition
Photographer Norman Seeff’s 1979 image of ‘Blondie’ on a New York fire escape. On display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition – Iconic Images Gallery-Waterloo Place-London SW1
Me – alongside photographer Justin De Villeneuve David Bowie’s19740’Pin-Ups’ album cover image – on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition – at the Iconic Images Gallery-Waterloo Place-SW1
It’s not just photos of rock stars and film stars on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition – there are also a few iconic images of sportsmen/women. One is a great photo of boxer Mohammed Ali
A young Pele – winning the World Cup for Brazil
An image of Andy Wahol on display at the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition
Having enjoyed the Bright Lights-Big City exhibition – its was time for a little liquid refreshment – and at the suggestion of one of the very helpful staff at the exhibition – I headed off to the “Golden Lion” in King Street-St. James’s – a pub steeped in history.
The Golden Lion has a narrow frontage, and from the street it looks like it’s been squashed in between the modern concrete buildings either side of it.
There’s been a licenced premises on the site since the late 1600’s – although the pub building has been re-built a few times since then.
Between 1835 to 1957 the “St. James’s Theatre” stood next door – and the upstairs bar of the ‘Golden Lion’ could be accessed by theatre goers – so the place has a massive theatrical connection as seen by the various items of memorabilia on display.
An impressive stained glassed window in the upstairs bar of the Golden Lion pub
Inside the Golden Lion pub
A handsome pint of the black stuff – just waiting to be consumed by me – in the Golden Lion pub – King Street-St. James’s – London SW1
Me – necking down a ‘cheeky’ Guinness – in the Golden Lion pub – King Street-St. James’
I thoroughly enjoyed this exhibition awhile ago. Afterwards I went for a stroll to Mason’s Yard for its connections (I liked your recent post on that btw). Good choice for a pint too! Mine was at the Chequers pub!
Thank you Joanna – glad you enjoyed the blog article – I certainly enjoyed putting it together.
Cheers
GEOFF (www.londonshoes.blog)
Fully read and thoroughly enjoyed, I can see why it was ‘right up your strasse’ 👍
I remember Twiggy was with Justin for a while.
Do you still have any NME or Melody Maker mags, could be worth a fortune😀
Love this!
Excellent blog once again Geoff 👏
Truly appreciated. Thank you so much.
Fascinating as always 👍
Excellent Geoff. How much must those photos be worth. It must have been wonderful in the intermission at the old St James’s Theatre to have drinks in a proper old pub. I believe upstairs in still called The Theatre Bar.
Thank you…..
Absolutely brilliant stuff – we appreciate very similar things for the same reasons 😁
Absolutely mesmerizing! The Bright Lights, Big City exhibition at Iconic Images Gallery captures the pulsating energy of London’s vibrant streets like never before. From the bustling crowds to the dazzling cityscape, each photo tells a compelling story. A must-see for anyone craving a taste of urban magic!