At 15, the London-born David Bailey was jazz mad and Picasso loving but, being a dyslexic cockney, was booted out of school. Escape from gritty East London seemed unlikely until he picked up a Rolleiflex during his stint in the National Service. Three years later, in 1960, he was under contract at British Vogue.
Prodigiously talented, Bailey was also wildly charismatic and uncommonly pretty, a high-octane amalgam that no doubt fueled his meteoric rise. Soon, he was chronicling, and surfing, the cultural tsunami that transformed London in the Swinging Sixties, when young creatives from music, fashion, advertising, theater, film, TV and journalism toppled the British establishment to become the new royalty.
This was the moment when the seeds of celebrity culture were sown. Bailey snapped all these revolutionary aristos: John Lennon and Paul McCartney, Mick Jagger, Michael Caine, Tom Stoppard and David Hockney. Each and every one looks impossibly dewy and fresh and brims with an entirely modern derring-do.
So, too, do “the beautiful birds,” as Bailey called the alluring models and actresses who defined that decade: the exquisite Jean “Shrimp” Shrimpton, Twiggy, Penelope Tree, Brigitte Bardot, Jeanne Moreau, Catherine Deneuve. A number of them became his lovers, Deneuve his wife (he’s had four), for a time.
It was a wild ride for an East End lad and literally the stuff of movies. Bailey was the inspiration for the prowling fashion photographer Thomas, played by pretty boy David Hemmings, in one of the iconic films of that era, Antonioni’s Blowup.
But despite his playboy persona and lucrative work in fashion advertising, Bailey has always possessed real psychological depth and artistic ambition. He can snap like few others. His closest peer in spontaneity, insight and cool was Richard Avedon. Both preferred a white backdrop, strong lighting and a tight focus to capture that rare telling moment.
Someone shot with eyes shut is not an accident with Bailey but a revelation. To this day, he can’t explain how he works his magic, although he does liken it to shamanic conjuring. He makes no secret that he spends most of his time gabbing with his subject — he’s curious about everyone. Sometimes, the chatter is a seduction; occasionally, it becomes good-naturedly pugilistic. And then, in mere moments, the individual is sized and seized by his camera.
Browse David Bailey's revolutionary portraiture and fashion photography on 1stDibs.
$48,254
Bob Dylan
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Bob Dylan, 1986 Lambda Silver Gelatin print on paper, framed Signed by the artist, on verso Sheet: 116 x 140 cm Edition of 10
Silver Gelatin
Mick in Fur Hood
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Mick in Fur Hood, 1964 Platinum Palladium print on paper Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 49.5 x 49.5 cm Sheet: 59.7 x 68.6 cm Edition of 25 + 1 AP
Platinum
![Paul McCartney [Mirror]](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/david-bailey-photography-paul-mccartney-mirror-for-sale/a_21542/1666357957166/paul_mccartney_master.jpeg?width=240)
Paul McCartney [Mirror]
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Paul McCartney [Mirror], 1967 Silver Gelatin Print Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 43.1 x 43.1 cm Sheet: 50.8 x 60.9 cm Edition of 25
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
$16,544
Kate Bush
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Kate Bush, 1978 Archival Inkjet on paper Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 36.83 x 36.83 cm Sheet: 42 x 59.4 cm Edition of 10
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
![Rolling Stones [Avebury Hill]](https://a.1stdibscdn.com/david-bailey-photography-rolling-stones-avebury-hill-for-sale/a_21542/1666358958319/rolling_stones_avebury_master.jpeg?width=240)
Rolling Stones [Avebury Hill]
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Rolling Stones [Avebury Hill], 1968 Archival Inkjet on paper Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 50.8 x 74.92 cm Sheet: 58.4 x 82.53 cm Edition of 10
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
Mick Jagger Goats Head Soup Album Art Version
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Mick Jagger Goats Head Soup Album Art Version, 1973 Archival Inkjet on paper Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 101 x 148 cm Sheet: 111 x 158 cm Edition of 10 + 2 AP
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
$27,574
Dr Dre
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Dr Dre, 2001 Archival Inkjet on paper Image: 50.8 x 63.58 cm Sheet: 58.4 x 71.2 cm Edition of 10
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
Dizzy Gillespie
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Dizzy Gillespie, 1981 Archival Inkjet on paper Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 36.83 x 46.78 cm Sheet: 42 x 59.4 cm Edition of 15
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
Patti Smith
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Patti Smith, 1978 Archival Inkjet on paper Edition of 15 Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 36.83 x 47.76 cm Sheet: 42 x 59.4 cm
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
$27,574
OASIS
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey OASIS, 2006 Archival Inkjet on paper Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 50.8 x 50.8 cm Sheet: 58.4 x 58.4 cm Edition of 15
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
Rolling Stones Colour Out of Our Heads
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Rolling Stones Colour Out of Our Heads, 1968 Archival Inkjet on paper Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 50.8 x 50.8 cm Sheet: 58...
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
Jean Shrimpton (box of pin ups)
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Jean Shrimpton (Box of Pinups), 1965 - printed 2009 Silver Gelatin Signed by the artist, on verso Accompanied by a COA 65 x 51 cm - sheet 90 x 90 cm - framed edition of 30
Silver Gelatin
Bailey. 80s. 1–100, Yves Saint Laurent 1981. Signed, Limited Book & Print
By David Bailey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Edition (No. 1–100) with the signed print Yves Saint Laurent, 1981 and the book Eighties in a clamshell box, also signed by David Bailey. Inkjet print on Hahnemuhle pearl paper, ...
Inkjet
Queen Live Aid
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
Archival Inkjet on paper Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 50.8 x 50.8 cm Sheet: 58.4 x 58.4 cm Framed: 66.5 x 66.5 x 4 cm Edition of 10 + 2 AP
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
Alice Cooper
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Alice Cooper, 1973 Archival Inkjet on paper Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 36.83 x 36.86 cm Sheet: 42 x 59.4 cm Edition of 10
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
Jarvis Cocker
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Jarvis Cocker, 2010 Silver Gelatin print on paper Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 24 x 29.5 cm Sheet: 30 x 38.4 cm Edition of 18
Silver Gelatin
$27,574
Elton John
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Elton John, 1971 Archival Inkjet on paper, framed Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 50.8 x 50.8 cm Sheet: 58.4 x 58.4 cm Edition of 12 + 3AP
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
$41,361
Penelope Tree
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Penelope Tree, 2022 Unique overpainted photograph comprising archival pigment print with hand embellished acrylic paint on paper, framed Sig...
Acrylic, Archival Pigment
Penelope Tree with Flowers
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Penelope Tree with Flowers, 2022 Unique overpainted photograph comprising archival pigment print with hand embellished acrylic paint on pape...
Acrylic, Archival Pigment
David Bowie
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
Archival Inkjet on paper Signed by the artist, on verso Image: 50.8 x 50.8 cm Sheet: 58.4 x 58.4 cm Framed: 66.5 x 66.5 x 4 cm Edition of 10
Archival Ink, Archival Pigment
Catherine Bailey
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
David Bailey Catherine Bailey, 2024 Unique overpainted photograph comprising archival pigment print with hand embellished acrylic paint on paper, framed Signed by the artist in penci...
Acrylic, Archival Pigment
Price Upon Request
Andy Warhol and the Gang, 1965 - David Bailey (Portrait Photography)
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
Andy Warhol and the Gang, 1965 - David Bailey (Portrait Photography) Signed, inscribed with title and stamped with photographer's copyright ink stamps on reverse Silver gelatin print...
Silver Gelatin
Emma in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, April 1984
By Jonathan Becker
Located in New York, NY
Emma in Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, 1984 Pão de Açucar, (Sugarloaf Mountain), Rio’s defining landmark looms in the background. Photographed by Jonathan Becker Contemporary 14" x 14.5...
Platinum
$2,925
H 20 in W 16 in
Muscle Boy, New York, Signed Archival Iris Print, Harlem, 1963, Edition 25/100
By Leonard Freed
Located in New york, NY
Muscle Boy, Harlem, 1963 by Leonard Freed is a signed and numbered archival Iris print. The edition 25/100 was in a planned edition of 100 and halted at 25 prints (as annotated on ve...
Black and White, Archival Pigment, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital...
$5,400
H 18.5 in W 21 in D 0.07 in
Frida with Granizo, Version 2, Coyoacan - Limited Edition Black and White Photo
By Nickolas Muray
Located in Denton, TX
Frida with Granizo, Version 2, Coyoacan by Nickolas Muray is a limited edition platinum print featuring Mexican painter Frida Kahlo with her arm wrapped around her pet deer. Edition...
Platinum
$2,650
H 19 in W 13 in
Muscle Boy Photograph, Limited Edition 11/15, Harlem, New York City 1963, Signed
By Leonard Freed
Located in New york, NY
Muscle Boy is an iconic image by Leonard Freed who was a pioneer in documentary photography. In this photo a boy flexes his muscles for the camera perhaps making a statement about...
Photographic Film, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigme...
$3,000
H 13 in W 19 in
1960s Limited Edition Black and White Photograph, Martin Luther King, MLK, 13x19
By Leonard Freed
Located in New york, NY
Martin Luther King (MLK), 1964 by Leonard Freed is an iconic black and white documentary photograph, a portrait of one of the most influential African American personalities and civi...
Photographic Film, Archival Ink, Digital, Archival Pigment, Digital Pigment
$2,350
H 13 in W 9 in
Williamsburg, New York City, Jewish, Street Photography 1950s, Limited Edition
By Leonard Freed
Located in New york, NY
Capturing the Jewish diaspora and the Hasidic community in Brooklyn, New York in the 1950s, this is a subject which Jewish American photographer Leonard Freed from Brooklyn widely co...
Archival Ink, Photographic Film, Archival Paper, Digital, Archival Pigme...
Joan Crawford - Silver Gelatin Fibre Print
Located in London, GB
Joan Crawford - Silver Gelatin Fibre Print - Oversized (Photo by Pictorial Press / Alamy Archives) Joan Crawford (1905-1977) US film actress. Additional Information: Unframed Pa...
Black and White, Silver Gelatin
$2,000
H 20 in W 30 in
"Rain" The Frequency, Abstract Photography, Giclee Print, Limited Edition
By Hatice Besun
Located in Brooklyn, NY
“Rain” The Frequency, Giclee Print, Abstract Photography, Limited Edition Creator: Hatice Besun Creation year: 2019 Dimension: 20 x 30” External Dimension( with white border) : Heig...
Giclée, Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Archival Pigment
$392
H 16 in W 20 in D 0.1 in
Audrey Hepburn in Paris, 1956 - Funny Face Audrey Hepburn Bert Hardy Film Still
Located in Brighton, GB
Audrey Hepburn in Paris, 1956 - Funny Face Audrey Hepburn Film Still Photograph Belgian Actress Audrey Hepburn is photographed between scenes while on the set of the photography-ins...
Photographic Paper, Black and White, Silver Gelatin
$421
H 7.88 in W 11.82 in D 0.04 in
Karine / Contemporary, Color, Photography, Analog, 21st Century, Hollywood
By Tao Ruspoli
Located in Morongo Valley, CA
'Karine', Edition 2/10, 20x30cm, 2018 Art Print on Velvet Watercolor Paper, 310gsm, Bright White, Acid Free Signature label and Certificate. About Tao Ruspoli (born 7 November 1975)...
Archival Ink, Archival Paper, Color, Archival Pigment
$1,450
H 14 in W 11 in D 0.1 in
Man in Rain West 88th Street, NYC - New York, City Scene, Silhouette, Cars, Road
By Ruth Orkin
Located in Denton, TX
14 x 11 in. Open Edition Blind stamp on print margin. Signed by Estate, titled, dated and copyright date in pencil on artist stamp. Ruth Orkin (1921 - 1985) was an American photojo...
Silver Gelatin
Terry O'Neill 'Raquel Welch and Ringo Starr'
By Terry O'Neill
Located in New York, NY
Raquel Welch and Ringo Starr, 1969 silver gelatin print 40 x 30 inches Estate signature stamped and hand numbered edition of 50 American actress Raquel Welch wearing a leather sui...
Silver Gelatin
JOHN HUSTON, 1966
By David Bailey
Located in London, GB
SIGNED AND DATED STAMPED WITH JACK NISBERG COLLECTION INK STAMP ON REVERSE SILVER GELATIN PRINT, PRINTED CIRCA 1966 15 X 12 INCHES PROVENANCE: THE JACK NISBERG COLLECTION