Photographer’s Early Works Capture London’s Soul

A new exhibition showcases the early works of photographer Dennis Morris, revealing his eye for capturing the spirit of London. His images depict everyday life and iconic figures, offering viewers a glimpse into the city’s vibrant past.

From Hackney Streets to Global Stages

In 1971, a young Dennis Morris, barely a teenager, began taking photographs in Hackney. One of his shots from a Palestinian Liberation Organisation rally made it to the front page of the Daily Mirror, earning him a modest sum. This early success foreshadowed his future career.

Morris’s exhibition, “Music + Life,” highlights his dedication to photography. He transformed a bedsit into a studio, using a white sheet and a borrowed spotlight. The show features images from the 1970s, showcasing his command of the camera and ability to capture the essence of his subjects.

A Young Photographer’s Eye

Morris’s work highlights his instinct for capturing compelling images and his ability to be in the right place. He focused on marginalized communities and the people around him. His subjects, whether in 1970s Hackney or famous musicians, exuded dignity.

One of his most famous projects involved photographing Bob Marley. After meeting Marley, Morris was invited to document the rest of the band’s tour. This encounter changed the course of the young photographer’s career, launching him into the world of music.

The exhibition includes Morris’s iconic triptych of Marley smoking. He went on to photograph every major reggae star and later, the punk scene, creating album covers and merchandise. The photographer’s work became synonymous with these musical movements.

Punk and Beyond

Morris’s portraits capture the personas of reggae icons, including a controversial photo of Steel Pulse. The images of Big Youth and Dennis Brown showcase the energy of the music scene. Today, over 30 years after the punk explosion, the genre’s cultural impact is still felt. The genre continues to evolve, with new artists, such as the IDLES, using punk’s energy in unique ways.

These early photos show how his inventive work grew out of hardship. A 1976 photo of a boy begging on Sandringham Road highlights the tough realities of his community. Another portrait shows a Sikh girl holding a baby. The images reflect how the capital changed in a generation.

These images offer insight into the capital’s changes over a generation. The pictures show Morris’s entrepreneurial spirit away from fame and success. Despite hardship, he was loved by the people he photographed.