Recapturing the golden age of cinema

Story by Jack Foley

THE golden age of cinema is being revived at a new exhibition at the Tom Blau Gallery, to mark the death of celebrated Hollywood photographer Sid Avery last month.

Avery’s pictures helped to provide a private insight into some of the most publicity-shy stars of the Sixties, helping him to gain access to the likes of James Dean and Humphrey Bogart and access onto film sets such as Giant, Rebel Without A Cause and the original version of the Rat Pack’s Ocean’s Eleven.

The exhibition at Tom Blau represents Avery’s first solo show for more than 10 years and is an absolute must for film fanatics. Images include Marlon Brando looking moody on a pair of bongos (pictured left), Audrey Hepburn on a studio back lot and Rock Hudson, on the telephone when fresh out of the shower, wearing nothing but a towel.

Each photograph provides a real glimpse into the people behind the glamour at a time when access to them was far more difficult. It catches some of cinema’s true icons at their most intimate and honest - a feat which would be difficult to repeat in today’s image-obsessed industry.

Other highlights include Steve McQueen going for a spin in his 1957 Jaguar and Paul Newman making breakfast for Joanne Woodward.

Signed collectors' prints will be available throughout the exhibition for purchase at special prices, from £450+VAT. The exhibition runs until September 7.

Sid Avery's Hollywood Lives, Until Sep 7, Tom Blau Gallery, 21 Queen Elizabeth Street, Butler's Wharf, SE1 (Tel: 020 7940 9171).

About Sid Avery…

One of six children, Sid Avery was born in Akron, Ohio, but moved to Los Angeles with his