above: David Bailey, photographed by Patrick Lichfield, the swinging Earl.


I recently read the book "Ready, Steady, Go!: The Smashing Rise and Giddy Fall of Swinging London" by Shawn Levy. A big portion of the book concerns the exploits of photographer David Bailey, who was the inspiration for the caddish main character in Antonioni's 1966 film "Blowup."

I enjoyed the book, which is surprising since the author is from Portland Oregon. Usually, if some creative project originates from Portland, you can bet it will be mediocre. Possibly this is because Portland is too clean and safe - the artistic types are too relaxed and have no fire in the belly. There are a few exceptions-- I like Portland filmmaker Todd Haynes, and I am a big fan of Ida No, the skinny stylish singer of electro band Glass Candy. Ida looks a bit like Penelope Tree, a sixties fashion model who was often photographed by David Bailey.

Ida:


Penelope, by Bailey:



Twiggy - "Beautiful Dreams"
Barnaby Rudge - "Joe Organ and Co"

David Bailey was quite the man about town, and was married at one point to Catherine Deneuve. Here's the two of them:


In the 60s, Bailey specialized in photographs of rogues and cultural figures, usually shot in close-up with moody lighting. Here's some of his work-----

Salvador Dali:


Man Ray:


Michael Caine:

Madness - "Michael Caine"

Factory Crew:


Kenneth Tynan:


Federico Fellini:


Brian Jones and company:


The Kray brothers -- brutal British gangsters:

Bailey's decision to photograph the Krays was controversial and caused him to lose support from some of his establishment patrons. Years later, Morrissey wrote a song about the Krays--
Morrissey - "Last of the Famous International Playboys" (live 1991, Elysee Montmartre, Paris)

Bailey is still active. Here's a shot of Paul Weller:


Recently, Bailey collaborated with bad boy millionaire Damien Hirst on a series of photos:





(Vaginas and cow heads - I don't think Morrissey would approve!)