Rolling Stones Italia • Leggi argomento - The Beggars Banquet collection

at the Blink gallery
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE BEGGARS BANQUET COLLECTION
An Exhibition by Michael Joseph

November 7th – December 6th 2008

Produced and curated by Raj Prem Fine Art Photography
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The legendary photo session for the Rolling Stones “Beggars Banquet” album took place over two days in 1968. Now, some 40 years on from that year of revolution, these extraordinary photographs go on display, many for the first time.

A young photographer called Michael Joseph, the most famous commercial photographer of the decade and renowned for his use of large group scenes with people and animals, had been chosen for the shoot.

Known for his corporate work including the White Horse whisky adverts, this was to be Michael’s first and last big time rock ‘n’ roll session – and the results were stunning.

Over 75% of the images to be shown at the Blink Gallery have never been exhibited before anywhere in the world. Indeed some have only recently been rediscovered after lying unseen for over 40 years.

The two day shoot took place at Sarum Chase and Swarkestone on the 18th and 19th June 1968. When the Stones arrived at Sarum Chase (the former home of Victorian society painter Frank Owen Salisbury) they were suitably impressed by the amount of lights and props but somewhat frazzled as Brian Jones had just been busted for drugs the day before. The cat, three dogs, a sheep and a goat were dissuaded from eating the food and the shooting (on 10x8 sheets) began with Michael directing proceedings via a megaphone.

The following day’s shoot took place at Derbyshire’s Swarkestone built in 1632 for bear-baiting and jousting. The van with the props was late so some shots were taken of a bored looking band in a field before the now notorious game of cricket got under way. Medieval costume, a one legged white piano and a load of smoke all contributed to the scene. (The final shot also ended up on the cover of Hot Rocks 1964-1971, the Rolling Stones’ two CD set.)

Michael Joseph will be attending the Private View, 6.30pm November 6th.
Invitations only.

Michael Joseph is a photographer best known for his work on the Rolling Stones' classic album "Beggar's Banquet." he was born in Kimberly - the capital of South Africa's Northern Cape province - in 1941. His father was heavily involved in anti-apartheid activities, especially fundraising, and all of this gave Michael early exposure to politicians and social reportage from South Africa.

Then, while At London College Of Prints And Graphic Arts, Michael Joseph was sent to Vietnam to photograph the war. The images that came about as a result of this trip lead to 33 years of varied advertising assignments – with such companies as Benson and Hedges, Christies, Nivea, Pirelli, Malaysian airlines, Schweppes and White Horse. He also worked in the fashion industry for Hart, Schaffner and Marks in Chicago. Based on Joseph's extensive advertising portfolio, he was chosen by the Stones for the "Beggar's Banquet" shoot.

(in association with Raj Prem Fine Art Photography)

Indice ~ Generale ~ The Beggars Banquet collection