Kevin Cummins

Kevin Cummins is a renowned British photographer born on July 14, 1953, in Manchester, England. His iconic images of legendary musicians and bands, including David Bowie, Morrissey, Ian Curtis, Patti Smith, and Mick Jagger, have made him a household name.

Kevin's extensive portfolio includes photographs that capture the essence of the flourishing punk scene in Manchester, as well as his work with prestigious theatre companies like The Royal Opera House and The Royal Northern Ballet. His photographs have been featured in various UK publications, such as Elle, Vogue, and The Observer.

During his decade-long tenure as chief photographer for New Musical Express, Kevin's work played a crucial role in shaping the Madchester and Cool Britannia scenes of the 90s. His photographs have graced numerous record sleeves and book jackets, and he continues to contribute to publications in Europe and Japan.

As one of the world's most celebrated music and portrait photographers, Kevin Cummins's stunning collection of photographs is a must-see. We are delighted to showcase his work at our art gallery.


 

All Kevins prints are printed using the Gelatin Silver Process. Before the advent of digital technology at the end of the twentieth century, the gelatin silver process had been the most commonly used method of making black and white prints since the 1890s. A negative image is transferred to light-sensitive paper that has four layers: a paper base, a white opaque coating of gelatin and barium sulfate that creates a smooth surface, the gelatin layer that holds the silver grains of the photographic image, and a protective gelatin overcoat. Properly exposed gelatin silver prints are quite stable if exhibited under controlled light conditions.

Until the 1970s, art photographers used this process almost exclusively to create high-quality black and white prints. Color photography was considered a commercial medium, not suited to serious artistic expression. Today, as fewer and fewer photographers are working in darkrooms, gelatin silver printing is quickly becoming an antiquated, historic process.