David Bowie, Scary Monster Clown, Press Photo, London, 1980
About this photograph
Taken by Chris Duffy during the last of Duffy's Five Sessions with David Bowie in 1980. At this point, Duffy was retired from commercial photography and was using his son – Chris Duffy’s studio. After the shoot was finish and the makeup was smeared, Duffy suggested Chris take some press shots to make use of the remaining session time.
This rarely seen shot is a perfect example showing how Chris was influenced by “The Black Trinity” of photographers which included his Father but retains his own unique style for a different take on the Scary Monsters scene. First published in the Five Sessions Duffy/Bowie book in 2014.
Print sizes, editions and mediums
20" x 20" Paper size, 15" x 15" Image size - Edition of 50 - Silver gelatin print
28" x 28" Paper size, 24" x 24" Image size - Edition of 12 - Archival pigment print
44" x 44" Paper size, 40" x 40" Image size - Edition of 25 - Archival pigment print
Print type
Archival pigment print or silver gelatin print depending on size
Paper type
Fuji Baryte paper
Signature
Hand signed in ink by photographer
About the photographer
Brian Duffy (1933-2010) was a pioneering British photographer renowned for his work during the "Swinging Sixties" in London. Alongside David Bailey and Terence Donovan, he helped redefine fashion and music photography with his avant-garde style and innovative use of the 35mm camera. Duffy's collaboration with David Bowie spanned five key sessions, including the Aladdin Sane album cover, which cemented his legacy as a visionary. His work remains highly collectible, influencing both fashion and music photography.
Photo Duffy © Duffy Archive. All rights reserved. Not to be reproduced without permission.