David Bailey (born 1938) is one of Britain’s most influential and recognisable photographers. Born in Leytonstone, East London, Bailey emerged in the early 1960s as a defining figure of the cultural revolution known as Swinging London. Largely self-taught, he broke away from the conventions of traditional studio photography, introducing a direct, stripped-back style that emphasised personality, presence and attitude.

Bailey is best known for his iconic portraits of artists, musicians, writers and fashion figures, including Mick Jagger, Jean Shrimpton, Andy Warhol and the Kray twins. His work for Vogue transformed fashion photography, replacing formal elegance with energy, realism and a distinctly modern sensibility.

Alongside his photographic career, Bailey has directed films, published numerous books and continued to document cultural figures across several decades. His work is held in major international collections and has played a significant role in shaping contemporary portrait photography.