The contact sheet is the photographer's first look at what they have captured on camera. An unedited sequence of negatives or roll of film that provides a behind-the-scenes history of a photograph.
Today, in a world of digital technology the contact sheet has all but disappeared however in this exhibition the contact sheets on display reveal the stories behind some of the world's most iconic rock images. Contacts gives an initimate glimpse into a photographer's working process and editing choices and shares candid, unseen moments of rock history.
Our collection includes prints of David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Oasis, Joy Division, Iggy Pop, Tom Waits taken by renowned photographers such as Jill Furmanovsky, Barrie Wentzell, Don Hunstein and Duffy. This is a rare opportunity to look back at the hidden moments surrounding some of rocks most iconic images.
Contact sheet of Charlie Watts, Rolling Stones drummer, taken at the Halcyon Hotel in London in March 1991
Contact sheet of Joy Division backstage at the YMCA, London in August 1979
Bob Dylan sitting with his girlfriend Suze Rotolo in their apartment in New York in February 1963
Contact sheet of The Jam's photo shoot for the cover of their debut album 'In The City'
"Bob Marley took a break from touring and came by my studio in Primrose Hill. He was in such a fantastic mode that day, really playful."
Contact sheet of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers photographed at Hyde Park, London in 1991
Contact sheet from photo shoot of Björk taken by Jill Furmanovsky in Primrose Hill in 1995
Contact sheet from Iggy Pop performing live onstage at the Rainbow Theatre in July 1979
Captivating contact sheet of Keith Richards taken by Alan Messer in Memphis in 1994.
Colour contact sheet of the Beastie Boys hanging out at Mike D's house during a photo shoot for The Face Magazine in 1994.
Contact sheet of Bob Dylan taken at the Isle of Wight Press Conference in August 1969
Captivating contact sheet of photographs of David Bowie taken by Jake Chessum in London, 1995.
Taken during the Oasis 'Definitely Maybe' Tour in Detroit, USA in 1995
Contact sheet featuring images of Oasis taken at the NEC Birmingham during the rehearsals for their iconic Knebworth Park gigs in 1996
Energetic contact sheet of The Ramones performing at the Hammersmith Odeon, London in 1980
Contact sheet of 1991 color film slides laid out on a light box from Kirk Weddle's historic Nevermind photo shoot with Nirvana
Contact sheet photograph of Debbie Harry, Blondie recording their classic album Parallel Lines in New York in 1978
Contact sheet of Tom Waits reading 'The Mammoth Book of Oddities' in a diner in California in 1999
Early set of contact sheet photos by Don Hunstein taken of Bob Dylan in his New York apartment on West 4th Street in 1963.
Unique contact sheet print of AC/CD's, Angus Young by photographer David Corio, taken at Hammersmith Odeon, London, November 1st, 1979
Contact sheet of the photo shoot for the 'Living without Cruelty' book cover featuring Chrissie Hynde chained up in a cage
Noel & Liam Gallagher captured during a quick shoot outside the exhibition halls of the NEC during Oasis's Knebworth rehearsals in July 1996
Colour contact sheet of images taken from The Smiths famous Salford Lads Club shoot for their Queen Is Dead album cover by Stephen Wright
Unique contact sheet print of Nick Cave And The Birthday Party by photographer David Corio taken in a disused church in Kilburn, London
Official contact sheet print from the acclaimed Duffy archive of David Bowie in his Scary Monsters Pierrot costume in 1980.
Contact sheet of David Bowie images taken during an interview in London, 1972. One of the images was used on the cover of Melody Maker
Jimi Hendrix whilst on tour with The Walker Brothers in 1967
Roger Waters eating a fairy cake in Abbey Road Studios, 1975, during the making of 'Wish You Were Here'
Contact sheet photos taken in at Sinead O'Connor's home in Westbound Grove, London in June 1994
Contact sheet of Jimi Hendrix photographed at his London home on Brook Street in 1969
Contact sheet from the Scary Monsters photo shoot taken during the last of Duffy's 'Five Sessions' with David Bowie
Contact sheet of Noel & Liam Gallagher larking around during the recording sessions for 'Be Here Now' at Abbey Road Studios in October 1996
Contact sheet of Liam Gallagher singing during a recording session for 'Be Here Now' at Abbey Road Studios in October 1996
The Arctic Monkeys photographed by Kevin Westenberg at the Palácio da Justiça, Lisbon for Mojo Magazine in September 2022.
Cat was renowned for his playing in the extreme high register. He claimed that he developed his screaming high notes to impress the girls.
Pete Townshend throws his guitar live whilst The Who perform at Madison Square Gardens in the US, 1979.
Nile Rodgers enjoying the crowd when Chic played the Glastonbury Festival in 2017
The Rolling Stones are an English rock band who were in the vanguard of the British music Invasion that became popular in the US in 1964–65.
Florence and the Machine's style is described as 'dark, robust & romantic', a mix of "classic soul & midnight-on-the-moors English art rock.
Devo is an American rock band, formed in 1973 their music mingles science fiction themes, surrealist humor & satirical social commentary.
The Clash were an English punk rock band that formed in 1976 as part of the original wave of British punk.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Jill Furmanovsky is one of the greatest ever rock & roll photographers with a huge archive of iconic shots of the world's best music artists
Stunning collection of limited edition prints of David Bowie created by award-winning photographer Markus Klinko.
Browse our collection of popular graphic art prints including iconic images by Storm Thorgerson and stunning work by contemporary artists.
