Rock photographer Gered Mankowitz’s private archive to be sold
By Rod Minchin, Press Association
A private collection of photographs that adorned the covers of some of the greatest British rock and pop albums of the 1960s, 70s and 80s is to be auctioned.
More than 100 signed photographs taken by acclaimed music photographer Gered Mankowitz are to be sold so the 80-year-old and his wife, Julia, can downsize their home.
Photographs for sale include distinctive shots of Kate Bush, Oasis, The Rolling Stones, Wham!, Jimi Hendrix and Duran Duran.
Auctioneers estimate the entire collection, including books, vinyl records and a guitar, could fetch in excess of £50,000 (€58,000)
Many of the images have hung on the walls of the couple’s home in Cornwall, but now the couple plan to move to a smaller property in Wales.
Mankowitz said: “I’m a bit of a hoarder and I’ve been lucky enough to have the space to keep things, but we’ve reached the point in our lives where it’s become harder to manage our house and garden so we want to downsize.
“That means less storage space so we’re having to get rid of a lot of items from our personal collection.
“It’s rather sad to see the spaces on our walls where my pictures used to hang.”
Beginning his career in the early 1960s, Mankowitz worked with many of the biggest names in the British music industry.
He famously photographed The Rolling Stones from 1965 to 1967, and was one of the first British photographers to work with legendary US guitarist Jimi Hendrix.
https://x.com/RollingStones/status/1780653542304276744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
His photographs have been used on albums by hundreds of artists including Kate Bush, Sir Elton John, George Harrison, The Jam, Slade, Suzi Quatro, The Eurythmics, Duran Duran, 10cc, Sparks and ABC.
He shot the cover art for Lionheart by Kate Bush, This Is the Modern World by The Jam, Between The Buttons by The Rolling Stones, Ultravox by Ultravox and Cloud Nine by George Harrison.
Mankowitz extended his portfolio into film and television, shooting the Monty Python team, Richard Burton, Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Bing Crosby.
The Julia and Gered Mankowitz Archive Collection comprises 250 lots including more than 100 signed, limited-edition and exhibition prints, artist’s proofs, experimental works and the Hasselblad camera equipment he used.
Rare and limited-edition books from the Mankowitzs’ personal library, promotional material, scarce music T-shirts and an archive of more than 500 vinyl records, many featuring his cover photography, are also for sale.
Auctioneer Luke Hobbs, from specialist music auction house Gardiner Houlgate, said: “This is a remarkable collection.
“So many of Gered’s images have become part of our collective memory and still adorn record and music collections up and down the country.
“In many ways, Gered’s work defined the look of the British music industry in its heyday.
“This very personal archive not only documents our cultural history, it also highlights the incredible creativity of British musicians and performers.
“We’re anticipating interest from around the world from serious collectors and fans alike.
“It’s proven extremely hard to value the archive because here’s such a big element of nostalgia and emotional connection for buyers.”
The Julia and Gered Mankowitz Archive Collection will be auctioned at Gardiner Houlgate in Corsham, Wiltshire, on September 7.
