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Scratched,
torn and framed, the photographs of John Deakin 'A Maverick Eye'
exhibition at The Walker are an insight into the life of this influential
Wirral-born photographer.
The collection, assembled by former British Vogue picture editor
Robin Muir, conveys a powerful vision of Deakin as a portrait and
travel photographer.
 |
| John
Mills, actor, 1952 © Vogue |
From
street photographs of Rome and Paris, to London's 60's Soho, to
fashion photographs for Vogue; Deakins range of stunning portraits
feature the famous faces of actors and artists including, Humphrey
Bogart, John Mills, Lucian Freud and even Tommy Cooper.
Best
known for his uncompromising honesty in his portraits, Deakin's
work captures his subject without the use of artificial lighting
and often in an unflattering manner. Using a predominatley plate
format, Deakins images are stunning 10x10 square prints with amazing
detail, skillfully obtained with limited daylight.
These powerful portraits are exhibited alongside his study of the
streets of the bohemian capital cities of Europe which show images
of uninhabited landscape and streets scenes, graffitti, peeling
walls, and chalk markings of childrens games.
 |
| The
exhibition runs until Sunday 30th March |
Also
included are the paint splattered photographs reclaimed from the
floor of Francis Bacon's studio. Deakin was a close friend of Bacon
who used his photographs as a basis for the his own portraits.
Working contact sheets hang complete with scribbles and markings,
giving a real insight into the thought process and working style
of this Bebington-born photographer.
 |
| Wig
shop 1950s © The John Deakin Archive |
Many
of Deakin's photographs and negatives lay neglected under the bed
in his Soho flat until friends rescued them after his death in 1972.
Further prints were later discovered crammed in filing cabinets
deep in Vogue's archives by Robert Muir, who campaigned to get Deakin
the appreciation he deserves.
John Deakin: A Maverick Eye
The Walker, William Brown Street, Liverpool
Sat Feb 1st - Sun 30th March 2003
Info: 0151 478 4199
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