Woking's rock and pop legend, Paul Weller is the subject of an exhibition of portraits going on show this Summer at The Lightbox gallery and museum, titled Town Called Malice, Stanley Road Revisited: Photographs of Paul Weller it runs from 16 July - 25 September.The photographs are by Weller's favourite photographer, Lawrence Watson, whose photographs cover Weller's entire solo career to date. with live shots at gigs in Amsterdam, New York and London as well as photos that have never been shown before in public.
Paul Weller was born and brought up in Woking, a town which has provided an influence throughout his career. Woking was the birthplace of the band, The Jam and the subject of The Jam's hit single 'Town Called Malice'. The title of his third solo album, 'Stanley Road' was also named after the road Weller spent his early years in, in Woking.
Paul Weller is considered to be amongst one of the most iconic artists of all time, known widely both for the bands he was part of and his solo career. The Jam (1976-82) were band known for both their punk and power pop crossover genre music who achieved 18 consecutive top 40 UK singles. Weller wrote most of the songs and was also the lead singer and guitarist. After leaving the band Weller went on to form The Style Council (1983-1989) with keyboardist Mick Talbot from the mod influenced band, The Merton Parkas, and then, singer, DC Lee, following this with the launch of his solo career in 1991. He has achieved 10 chart topping albums as a solo artist so far. Bands from the Britpop era such as Oasis have noted him as an influence which has led to him latterly being nicknamed The Modfather.
Commended music photographer, Lawrence Watson has worked in the music industry since the early 1980's and worked with many other renowned bands and musicians including Run DMC, Oasis, Pulp and David Bowie. Watson first worked with Paul Weller when he photographed the album cover for The Style Council's last album in the late 1980's. Ever since, Watson has had unparalleled access to Paul Weller throughout his solo career and has been named by Weller as his favourite photographer.
With over twenty years of working with Weller, Watson has built up an extensive portfolio not only of portraits but a great insight into the musician's life. Watson remarks 'It is a pleasure to work with an artist who loves his craft as much as I do.' Watson has previously exhibited some of his iconic Weller portraits at The Royal Albert Hall (2010), in 'A Box of Prints: A Photographic retrospective of Paul Weller'
The exhibition at The Lightbox will feature photographs of Weller live in concert as well as some of his most famous album covers, including some photographs that have never been published before. As part of the exhibition limited edition prints of Paul Weller will be for sale, providing an exclusive opportunity for Paul Weller enthusiasts. Lawrence Watson's acclaimed book ' The World is Yours' will also be available to purchase, spanning over 20 years of his career and featuring music legends from Rock and Hip Hop to Brit Pop.
Speaking about the exhibition, Curator, Peter Hall said 'The Lightbox are delighted to be working with Lawrence Watson, who has had unparalleled access to Paul Weller over the last 20 years. Paul Weller fans will be able to bask in album covers, outtakes, live shots and behind the scenes photographs of Paul Weller, one of the country's most important musicians'
To complement the exhibition Lawrence Watson will give a talk (Iconic Images of Pop: Paul Weller 21 July 2011 7pm £6 advance booking necessary on 01483 737837) where he will discuss his career as one of the UK's leading music photographers. There will also be an exhibition tour providing a fascinating insight into how the exhibition was put together on 26 July 2011 12.30pm
For more information about The Lightbox opening times, and exhibitions please visit www.thelightbox.org.uk or call 01483 737800
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