Iconic photographer
David Bailey returns to his roots in Newham
A major exhibition by iconic
Newham photographer David Bailey has opened in the Royal
Docks.
The exhibition, called David Bailey's East End, will
run until August 5 at Compressor House, on Dockside Road, next to
Royal Albert DLR (Docklands Light Railway).
Newham Council is the principal sponsor and residents from the
borough will be able to get in free.
It showcases a unique collection of 50 years' worth of photographs
taken by the former East Ham resident in and around the area.
Bailey was approached by the National Portrait Gallery in London
and other world-renowned institutions to host the exhibition but
was determined to return to his roots.
The photographs on display, many of them large-scale prints,
document the changing physical and social landscape showing
streetscapes, characters and scenes of east London life.
David Bailey said: "London's East End is in my DNA and I'm
thrilled to be able to return to my roots in Newham. Now the rest
of the world will focus on an area I've been looking at all my
life."
Newham Mayor Sir Robin Wales
said: "We are thrilled that an icon like David Bailey - the world's
greatest photographer - will be returning to his roots with a major
exhibition here in time for the Games. This is a fantastic coup for
Newham and East London. David is a true Newham boy and we will be
ensuring he gets the warmest of homecomings."
"David is from Newham, and now he's back in the Royal Docks. This
area was once thriving and then it fell into decline, so it's great
to see it buzzing with activity and massive potential again in the
run-up to the Olympics.
"The East End is a place of diversity, culture and
entrepreneurship. For us, the astonishing transformation here is
all about our people and making the most of a new era. It's just
not acceptable for people in this part of London to have lesser
life chances than those in the rest of the capital. As the
principal sponsor, we have ensured our residents will be able to
see this exhibition for free so they too can be inspired by the
work of David Bailey."
Newham Council's Chief Executive Kim Bromley-Derry said: "We are
delighted to be backing this exhibition and to be playing such a
key role. David is one of the world's most famous photographers.
The fact that he has chosen Newham to host this pivotal show
underlines the transformation that is taking place here. London is
moving eastwards - as this proves.
"This is all about providing a stunning cultural legacy from the
Games. We are confident it will be a huge hit and draw visitors
from across London and beyond. Other major figures in the arts will
see that Newham is a new cultural hub and will be attracted
here.
"The council has ensured that local people can visit it for free
so that everyone will benefit.
"This exhibition symbolises the progress that is taking place
here. Newham is home to some of the largest and most spectacular
development sites in Europe. We will use the Games as a catalyst to
establish the borough as a gateway to London, a melting pot for the
exchange of commerce, information and ideas and a tourist
destination in its own right."
The council, which is working with arts organisation
CREATE, conceived the idea
for the exhibition and has been integral in getting the project off
the ground.
Bailey has been photographing Newham and east London since the
1960s, right up to the present day. The photographs that will be
displayed - many of them large-scale prints - document the changing
social and physical landscape of East End life.
The exhibition is open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-7pm, Thursdays &
Fridays until 9.30pm.
Entry £6, £4 concessions. Free for Newham residents on production
of two forms of ID - (1) utility bill or bank statement, AND (2)
library membership, gym membership or credit/debit card.
For further information on tickets please go to:
http://createlondon.org/events/david-baileys-east-end.html