WHAT?  Double Exposure: David Bailey & Mary McCartney

WHERE?  Claridges ArtSpace, Brook’s Mews, London W1K 4HR 

WHEN?  Now until 19th July.  Free to view 

WHY GO?  For a face-to-face with famous names.  With their super luxe credentials, Claridge’s ArtSpace Gallery, contrary to expectation, does not require you to be a high roller to gain access. In fact, it’s absolutely free for anyone to take a peek at their regular contemporary exhibitions and should you desire a beverage, the cost of coffee in their chic little cafe is equivalent to any other upmarket Mayfair establishment.

What’s to see?  Art from neighbouring galleries, trend led and appealing to art buffs with budding private collections.

After an opening night befitting any red carpet event, there’s a new exhibition with a difference.

You get two famous names in one viewing, David Bailey and Mary McCartney and if you are a high roller, their beautifully crafted photographs are available to purchase. 

Discover the uniquely glamorous yet playful side of Bailey; Jerry Hall kicking back laughing and Miles Davis poking fun at the camera while they both seem to enjoy a joke.  

These intimate images reveal his friendly relationships with celebrity sitters who were often old mates somewhere down the line.

McCartney’s photographs are more reflective and often with a narrative, a model shielding her face from paparazzi, Joni Mitchell quietly smoking a cigarette or Harry Styles lost in reverie, all evoking a sense of solitude.

What a duo, what an opportunity to get up close and personal with two era-defining photographers.

IN THE KNOW  This marks a first for Bailey to exhibit with another photographer and was the brainchild of ex Sotheby’s Head of Photography, Brandei Estes, who is now the Director of Chaussee 36 Photography and Veritas Centre of Photography. 

She has curated this unique show, researching images from the 1960s to the present day.