World-renowned photographer John Swannell has been at the forefront of British photography for four decades. His witty and distinctive portfolio crosses the spectrum of celebrity from royalty to show business, presenting a virtual who’s who of the late 20th and 21st centuries. He has photographed rock stars, prime ministers, artists and actors, and his intimate personality pieces convey the honest charm of Michael Palin or the pseudo-grumpiness of Spike Milligan with unique immediacy and impact. He is also an acknowledged master of the formal portrait, but often injects an unexpected touch of humour even here, as in his image of the Queen leaning confidentially into the camera in the banqueting hall at Windsor Castle. When Diana, Princess of Wales commissioned John to photograph her together with her sons, these famously joyful images became a symbol of her independence, appearing on her personal Christmas card that year. His royal commissions have included the 40th, 50th and 60th birthday portraits of Princess Anne and of HM Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother’s 100th birthday in 2001.
John Swannell
John describes his stunning black and white photographs as romantic, with beauty always a key element whether in terms of the figures, the setting or the lighting. ‘Portfolio’ resonates with character and originality, demonstrating why his work is prized all over the world and on display in such venues as the National Portrait Gallery, the Royal Academy and the V&A.
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