Past Presentation

Photo London 2023

Somerset House, London, UK·11–14 May 2023 | 8th Edition·Solo Exhibition

Fair Information
VenueSomerset House
LocationLondon, United Kingdom
Dates11–14 May 2023 | 8th Edition
PresentationSolo Exhibition
Curated byThe Music Photo Gallery
ArtistsMick Rock
Syd Barrett at home in Cambridge, circa 1970. Photograph by Mick Rock. Vintage chromogenic print from the artist's personal archive.
MICK ROCK
Never-before-seen photograph of Syd Barrett at home, taken by Mick Rock circa 1970
Chromogenic Print
5 × 7 inches
Handwritten inscription by the artist
One-of-a-Kind Vintage Work
About the Presentation

Curatorial statement

The Music Photo Gallery was honored to present a special tribute exhibition dedicated to the legendary photographer Mick Rock at Photo London.

Featuring a carefully curated selection of rare vintage photographs from the artist's personal archive, the exhibition brought together unique period prints, previously unseen images, and iconic works that helped define the visual language of rock and roll.

Known as “The Man Who Shot the Seventies,” Mick Rock created some of the most enduring images in music history, documenting artists such as David Bowie, Lou Reed, Queen, Iggy Pop, Syd Barrett, Debbie Harry, and many others. His photographs captured not only the personalities of these artists, but also the spirit of an era that transformed popular culture.

A particular highlight of the presentation was the inclusion of vintage prints produced by Mick Rock during the 1970s and retained in his personal collection throughout his lifetime. Many of these works had never before been publicly exhibited or offered for acquisition.

The exhibition was conceived as both a celebration of Mick Rock’s extraordinary artistic legacy and a tribute to a close friend of the gallery. Through these rare photographs, visitors were invited to experience the intimacy, energy, and creative freedom that defined one of the most influential periods in the history of music photography.

Installation Views
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Works Presented

Selected works

6 works
David Bowie and Mick Ronson, Guitar Fellatio, 1972, photographed by Mick Rock.
Mick Rock

David Bowie and Mick Ronson, Guitar Fellatio, 1972

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David Bowie with saxophone, London, 1973 — rare color portrait photographed by Mick Rock.
Mick Rock

David Bowie with Saxophone, London, 1973

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David Bowie with Acoustic Guitar, Haddon Hall, 1972, photographed by Mick Rock.
Mick Rock

David Bowie with Acoustic Guitar, Haddon Hall, 1972

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David Bowie, Close-Up, Haddon Hall, 1972, photographed by Mick Rock.
Mick Rock

David Bowie, Close-Up, Haddon Hall, 1972

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Original vintage contact sheet from the 1973 Pin-Ups photo session featuring David Bowie in the iconic Sax Series, photographed by Mick Rock.
Mick Rock

David Bowie, Sax Series, Pin-Ups Photo Session, 1973

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Unique artwork by Mick Rock comprising four vintage C-prints mounted on original board, London, 1974.
Mick Rock

Queen, Original Artwork, London, 1974

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Artist
Mick Rock
Mick Rock
London, UK, 1948 – 2021
Mick Rock (1948–2021), widely known as “The Man Who Shot the Seventies,” created some of the most enduring images in the history of rock music. Born in London and based in New York for more than th...
Press

Coverage and reviews

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Mick Rock. Solo show

The Music Photo Gallery presents a special tribute exhibition honoring legendary rock photographer Mick Rock at Photo London 2023. Featuring rare vintage prints from the artist's personal archive, the presentation includes unique period photographs, never-before-seen images, and iconic portraits of David Bowie, Queen, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop, Syd Barrett, and other defining figures of rock history.

Enquiries

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