David Gwinnutt: Before We Were Men

Nice display at the National Portrait Gallery of photographs by David Gwinnutt of a group of creatives that emerged in London in the 1980s centred on the club scene.

Gwinnutt chose to photograph people in their own homes rather than the clubs they frequented. Many of them were at art college at the time as was Gwinnutt himself.

I loved a picture of Derek Jarman in his flat above the Phoenix Theatre where he is shown with a naked torso and with his reflection in a mirror. I also liked one of Stephen Linard in bed smoking a cigarette in very bare surroundings.

My favourite picture was one of Leigh Bowery in a big fur coat and extravagant rings. The wonderful larger than life figure was beautifully set again Star Trek wallpaper!

Closes on 24 September 2017

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