When the name David Bailey is mentioned it usually is connected with high fashion and when the biggest names need to be photographed in a truly iconic way. In these three volumes, Bailey’s East End, he introduces us to East London as he saw and photographed from his early years as a photographer. Bailey, his parents, his grandparents and his great grandparents all grew up East London and the area is deeply ingrained in his own life, his ancestry and a great influence on his photographic career throughout his life.
Known for his incredibly personal and striking black and white portraits, this new book contains no famous names. In the three books, he takes you through the earliest years of his career to the most recent shots on the streets of East London. Bailey is a Londoner, and more precisely an East-Londoner through and through. Not only does it take you through his progression of 55 years as a photographer, but also the changing of the neighbourhood.
When comparing the first book (taken in the 1960s) with the last (taken in recent years), you see the huge difference in buildings, cultures and fashion on the streets. At first it feels as if the East End that once was isn’t there anymore. However as you investigate the books further you see how Bailey has consciously selected images that although initially look very different, after closer examination are still very similar. A point he makes by adding an image to the end of the first book: a window display, in the reflection a young David Bailey pointing a 35mm camera. In the third book in a similar reflection in a window, a current David Bailey pointing a more modern point and shoot camera at a store window.
Some of the most iconic images outside of Bailey’s fashion and portraiture work are the photographs of the Kray twins. The two heads of East End organised crime gang referred to as The Firm are portrayed intimately and closely. Knowing they are violent criminals it is strange to see them out for a drink with friends and having Bailey nearly as one of the group. This shows how a good photographer besides being a good photographer has to also be an incredible people’s person. Able to create comfort quickly with everyone around them or push them to get a reaction they want. You can see the relationship did not stop there, later photographing the marriage of Reggie Kray and Frances Shae.
For fans of Bailey’s work, this is an unmissable series of books to have, for those who aren’t this will shed light on a whole different side to his talent and body of work throughout his life so far.
by Justin van Vliet
David Bailey’s East End, Published by Steidl, out now for £75