Perry Ogden

Blog : David Bailey at the National Portrait Gallery

Much as I like Bailey's work I was disappointed by this show. Starts well with the giant Michael Caine blow-up overlooking the reception area but there are too many dodgy choices - particularly in the 'Icons' section. Shame too - given the quality of the b/w prints throughout the show, all made by Bailey - that the 'Box of Pin Ups' images are framed in series of six. Would have been good to see these individually and to have included Francis Wyndham's commentaries from the original box. Not sure why Bailey chose to put a Damien Hirst picture on the cover of the catalogue. I recommend buying the pocket book 'Bailey Exposed' instead. It's only £9.99 and includes many great quotes from Bailey - and others - and there's a beautiful picture of Bailey, high up in the Naga hills (on the border of India and Burma), photographing one of the Naga people. Bailey is clutching his Rolleiflex in his left hand and with his right hand is gesturing to his subject. What this picture shows is how much Bailey loves what he does.