The Rolling Stones arguably helped shape the prestige and style of the fashionable parts of South West London. They were rock ‘n’ roll superstars dawning from middle-class backgrounds with an expensive taste and a controversial lifestyle.
The Chelsea gallery limb of the Proud Company has teamed up with Raj Prem Fine Art Photography and is currently exhibiting a variety of rare and universally known images of the band during their rise to fame. The Decca Years ranged began in 1962 up until 1971 when the band founded their own, self-titled, label.
The exhibition showcases an eclectic range of both personal and commercial imagery. In one photo the band all reclining and reading newspapers at the Nellcôte Villa, which Keith Richards leased out to reside and record, as well as famous images of the band at their ‘Beggar’s Banquet’ or when they’re dressed as women for the promotion of their ‘Some Girls’ album.
Iconic 60s photographer, Phil Townsend, showcases some of his photography as well as a host of other renowned photographers including Gered Mankowitz, producer of Out of Our Heads album cover, Eddie Kramer, who captured moments of Mick Jagger with guitar legend Jimi Hendrix, and David Montgomery, who captured the jovial cheekiness and moodiness of both Richard and Jagger during the Sticky Fingers photo-shoot. He also used a £4 Kodak Instamatic to take more photos of the band outside a Fish and Chip shop on the King’s Road.
Raj Prem said ‘A renowned American photographer once said to me: “you know Raj, a good photograph of the Stones in the 60s is more exciting than 90 per cent of the music you’ll ever hear”.’
It is an exciting exhibition and is free for public entry, and as it ends on 23 October, it is worth having a look into the lives of one of the worlds’ greatest bands.
The images are on sale ranging from £900 (exc. Tax and framing) up to £4000+. Other merchandise including books, t-shirts and faux-memorabilia are also for sale around £20-£30.
Raj Prem Fine Art Photography Presents The Decca Years: The Rolling Stones 1962 - 1971, Proud Chelsea until 23 October 2011, www.proud.co.uk.
Sam Kirby
Pictures © Philip Townsend
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