THE SO-CALLED ‘bad boy of celebrity photography,’ Rankin talked to an audience in Leamington about his work capturing some of the most iconic images of famous and not-so-famous personalities.
Rankin, who has photographed everyone from ordinary members of the public for an exhibition in London’s Brick Lane, to the late Queen Elizabeth, spoke as the guest of Leamington Spa Photographic Society.
With the assistance of Warwick District Council’s ‘Spark Presents’ programme, the event on Tuesday April 29 took place at the Spa Centre studio cinema.
It was part of celebrations to mark the 170th anniversary of photographic pioneer Henry Peach Robinson, one of the country’s first portrait photographers, opening his photographic studio in Leamington in 1855.
Moving up to date, Rankin is a world-renowned photographer who has taken iconic off-the-wall portraits of celebrities including Bjork, David Bowie, the Rolling Stones, Lewis Hamilton, Madonna, Vivienne Westwood and top models including Kate Moss.
He has produced campaigns for top brands such as Rolls Royce, presented TV programmes including The Great British Photography Challenge, the documentaries America in Pictures, Africa in Pictures and Seven Photographs that Changed Fashion for the BBC, and was the photography tutor on Channel 4’s Jamie’s Dream School with Jamie Oliver.
His work has appeared in magazines and in galleries ranging from the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, but he also dedicates his time to supporting a variety of charities – Oxfam, PETA and McMillan Cancer Support among others.
Peter Chappell, chairman of Leamington Spa Photographic Society, said: “We have had some notable speakers in recent years, but none so well-known outside photographic circles as Rankin, who is recognised as the most famous portrait photographer in the world. I believe it is a reflection of the high reputation of LSPS that we have been able to attract such an iconic speaker. We are delighted to have partnered with Warwick District Council’s Arts Section to bring this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to local schools and our wider community.”
Rankin also brought his ‘Rankin Live’ event to Leamington in the afternoon,
which was held at All Saints Church, where he produced some creative portraits of several LSPS members.
Rankin added: “It was a pleasure to visit the Royal Spa Centre and meet so many passionate creatives. The vibrant creative scene is evident, and I look forward to returning.”
