David Bailey: For Real

Back in February, the National Portrait Gallery opened its David Bailey: Stardust show –  a glittering series of portraits of some of the most iconic faces of the 20th and 21st century.

David Bailey (*1938) "Uncharted ­ East End", 1961

Source: © David Bailey Courtesy: Daniel Blau Munich/London

David Bailey (*1938)

From Kate Moss to the Rolling Stones to Damon Albarn and Francis Bacon, it showed an otherworldly bunch with otherworldly lives – ones far removed from the photographer’s east London upbringing.

However, Bailey has never forgotten his roots – as 2012’s Bailey’s East End exhibition in Newham proved.

Another exhibition opens this week that nods to Bailey’s less star-filled, glitzy side, entitled Bailey: For Real.

David Bailey (*1938) "Uncharted ­ East End", 1961

Source: © David Bailey Courtesy: Daniel Blau Munich/London

David Bailey (*1938)

The show is being held at the Daniel Blau gallery in Hoxton, east London, and will feature images of Bailey’s travels in Delhi alongside those of the areas near where he grew up in the capital.

David Bailey (*1938) "Uncharted ­ Naga Hills"

Source: © David Bailey Courtesy: Daniel Blau Munich/London

David Bailey (*1938)

The gallery describes the selection of image as ‘his photographs of the everyday’, though stars like designers Zandra Rhodes do still get a look-in for those hankering after the glamour of Bailey’s more familiar artworks.

David Bailey (*1938) "Uncharted ­ Zandra Rhodes"

Source: © David Bailey Courtesy: Daniel Blau Munich/London

David Bailey (*1938)

The gallery says, ‘When displayed together in our exhibition these works constitute a relatively unexplored yet equally intriguing component of Bailey’s artistic oeuvre.

‘Bailey has taken his hand to these works, often tearing them and leaving behind a ragged and frayed edge. This fact emphasises the tactile nature of his photographs and renders each piece entirely unique’.

Bailey: For Real runs from May 16-June 28 at Daniel Blau Gallery, 51 Hoxton Square, London N1 6PB

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