Christopher Kilkus Photographer David Bailey

Born in 1938 in London, David Bailey’s youth had nothing to do with photography. Growing up in London’s East End, he felt his career choices were limited to “…a boxer, a car thief, or maybe a musician.”  Of course, he became none of those things, but did hold down a few odd jobs to earn money; he was a carpet salesman, tallyman, shoe salesman and a window-dresser. Eventually, he became inspired by photography while in the British Royal Air Force in the mid-1950s after discovering Henri Cartier Bresson’s work. Bailey began reading LIFE and other American photo magazines, and soon thereafter purchased his first camera.

Three years after his first camera purchase, and at the tender age of 22, Bailey was taking photos for British Vogue. Known for his signature stark backgrounds and dramatic lighting, Bailey quickly became sought after for his extraordinary fashion and celebrity photography. Bailey was responsible for photographing some of the most famous people in Britain during that time period, including: fashion designer Mary Quant, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Who, Mia Farrow, Catherine Deneuve, Michael Caine, Twiggy and Penelope Tree. Bailey also photographed fashion trends in London and New York for American Vogue and Glamour, and his work showcased the cultural and fashion turn of the 1960s, including the punk movement.

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