Yorkton Studios has just launched an amazing exhibition of iconic, mid-20th-century portraits. We are always blown away by the amazing work of iconic photographers showcased during this special night. Titled “Wonderland – The Joy of Analogue: Portraits from 1955-1995,” this exhibition takes visitors on a visual journey through time, highlighting the artistry behind analogue photography. The exhibition will be on display through 19 October 2025. It’s all happening as part of PhotoMonth, a fantastic celebration of photography that includes 50 pop-up exhibitions in venues around east and south-east London until 3 November.
The accompanying exhibition presents a unique collection of photographs. It aims to shed light on the technical skill and creative artistry behind photographic print production prior to the digital age. Exhibitors can look forward to incredible massive polaroids and wonderful platinum and silver gelatin prints, exquisite things. The photographers featured are some of the industry’s most celebrated talents. Very eminent practitioners, such as Mary Ellen Mark, Sandra Lousada, David Bailey, and Eve Arnold, are just a few of them.
Stand-out portraits are many, but most famous may be one of Talking Heads’ David Byrne taken by Chalkie Davies in New York in 1982. The cover art, shot by the legendary Anton Corbijn, is now an iconic representation of the era’s dynamic art scene and Byrne’s cultural cachet. Portrait of Lynn Chadwick, photographed by Sandra Lousada for Tatler, 1961 Lynn Chadwick is another major player. It’s a testament to the artist’s forward-thinking nature, boundary-breaking ambition and uncompromising work ethic.
Marilyn Monroe, one of the most celebrated stars of all time, captured in an ethereal photo by Eve Arnold in the Nevada desert in 1960. This stunning photograph, catching Monroe’s beauty and mystique amidst an extraordinary natural setting, hints at the depth beneath the star’s public facade. Celia Hammond’s portrait emphasizes her poise as a graceful, talented model and animal rights activist. This mesmerizing portrait was taken by photographer Sandra Lousada in 1962.
The exhibition includes one of Françoise Gilot pictured above, photographed by John Claridge at Rossetti Studios in Chelsea in 1967. Gilot’s passionate and colorful explanation provides a window into her artistic landscape and inspirations. Narrative Spotlighting Brigitte Bardot as yet another cultural audacious goddess. In 1971, pictured on location in Spain for Les Petroleuses, this is an example of her extraordinary charisma captured as she moved through a major transition in her career.
Chet Baker’s portrait by John Claridge from 1986 illustrates the jazz musician’s charismatic persona while he was at the height of his career. As part of this show, you’ll meet Ram Prakash Singh with his elephant, Shyama. This enchanting image was shot by the late Mary Ellen Mark in Ahmedabad, India, in 1990. This striking art piece crosses cultural borders and dialogue, offering a powerful connection between man and beast.
The exhibition includes dramatic portraits of Wilf Mannion, the famous Middlesbrough and England soccer star. Photographer Craig Easton took these magnificent photographs in 1995. Look out for some fantastic photographs of Carol & Pete Jolly of Jolly’s Mini Circus, pictured by Jane England in Fishguard in 1974. Each graphic captures events that speak to countless stories in the pursuit of progress, innovation, creativity, and inclusion.
The “Wonderland” exhibition encourages audiences to simply enjoy the beauty of these portraits. It further challenges them all to find the interesting stories behind each one. This underscores the vibrant history of photography that preceded our current digital landscape. It celebrates the mastery and craft that the analogue processes require.