Proud Central is bringing another enlightening photographic exhibition to warm you up this winter. ‘London Rock: The Unseen Archive by Alec Byrne’ will be launching on December 8th showcasing a collection of previously unseen photographs from Alec Byrne’s rediscovered archive. The exhibition coincides with the UK launch of the photographer’s exclusive collector’s book entitled ‘London Rock: The Unseen Archive’, which contains essays and pictures which detail the many faces that defined British Rock n’ roll.
Alec Byrne is a photographer whose career began when he was 17 and he was contracted to capture live Music acts for the NME. He worked in London during the 60’s and 70’s and became known for putting a spotlight on the emerging young music artists who were at the forefront of London’s music evolution. Byrne described his schedule as "The Who on Thursday, The Rolling Stones on Saturday, Led Zeppelin on Monday — just incredible". He was thrust in the midst of iconic artists such as Mick Jagger, capturing his compelling live performances as well as taking poignant portraits of a young David Bowie. He worked with many musicians from British icons to American artists visiting the UK such as Bob Dylan and Jim Morrison. Byrne used a rock n' roll mindset opting for candid photography capturing the spontenaity as opposed to a more rigid studio setting. Alec Byrne's photography has been featured in the 2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony, exhibited at the South by Southwest music festival, and accepted into the National Portrait Gallery in London.
However, industries change and after almost 40 years, Byron retired from music photography following concerns for the growing commercial obstructions within the music industry. He kept the last of his archive in his Los Angeles garage after it survived a fire in the studio, a flood and an earthquake. It has been hidden from the world all this time until now, presented beautifully in the comprehensive book ‘London Rock: The Unseen Archive’, distributed by Ebury Publishing which will accompany the fascinating exhibition at Proud Central.
London Rock: The Unseen Archive by Alec Byrne
8th December 2017 – 28th January 2018
Monday to Saturday 10 am to 7 pm
Sunday 10 am to 6 pm
Free entry
Address
Proud Central
32 John Adam Street London
WC2N 6BP
Photo Credit:
London Rock: The Unseen Archive by Alec Byrne, out now Virgin Books £50
