Allan Ballard began his photographic career at the Evening Standard where he assisted the picture editor. He then assisted eminent fashion photographer John Cowan (pictured above). Together they traveled extensively on fashion assignments (from the North Pole to the Persian Gulf and all points between).
Allan spent six months in New York working for American Vogue. During this time he documented the racial tension between the police and the black residents of Harlem for the Sunday Times. The now famous shot of the NYPD officer ‘pulling tongues’ in a momentary lapse ‘under fire’ was later ‘adopted’ by he band Skid Alley for their album cover.
On his return Allan set up his studio in Primrose Hill and began contributing regularly to the Sunday Times and later to the Supplement. On one of his diverse assignments Allan obtained almost exclusive access to Frank Sinatra and Mia Farrow at the time of their marriage. His pictures were syndicated around the world and secured Allan’s name as a top Photographer.
At 24 Allan had become one of the most successful photographers in London
Studio shoot with Debbie Harry, Blondie, who were regarded as an underground band in the US until the release of 'Parallel Lines' in 1978.
Debbie Harry at her home studio in NYC in 1978. Blondie took time off from their busy schedule recording Parallel Lines for this portrait.
Elton John at his rented house in Los Angeles prior to his career-defining sellout concerts at Dodger Stadium.
Adam Ant posing as the Dandy Highwayman on the set of Stand and Deliver at Hatfield House in Spring 1981.
Billy Idol with Ziggy Stardust flash makeup. New Wave just wouldn’t have been New Wave without Billy to pave the way through the 1980’s.
Debbie Harry of Blondie, opening the show at the San Diego Civic Auditorium for Iggy Pop & David Bowie while on their 'Idiot Tour' in 1977.
"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."
The Clash back stage before their most famous gig at the Rainbow Theatre in May 1977.
Rod Stewart relaxing in the garden of his house in Berkshire he bought from bought from Lord Bethell, a lord-in-waiting to the Queen.
Rod Stewart standing next to his concert tour plane in Los Angeles, December 1977. Rod recalls, "The tour got off to a terrible start."
Frank Sinatra on the set of his last ever film with Warner Bros, 'The Naked Runner', by Allan Ballard, in London in 1967
Frank Sinatra walking over a London bridge in 1967 during a break from his filming of 'The Naked Runner'
Frank Sinatra in London in 1967 off-set from the filming of 'The Naked Runner'
Jarvis Cocker performing one of his signature moves with Pulp on The Park Stage during the 2011 Glastonbury Festival
Adam Ant photographed by Jill Furmanovsky during a cover shoot for The Face magazine in February 1981
U2 on top of a hotel roof in Cork, Ireland on a cold February morning in 1980
Exclusive David Bowie print specially created by The Postman for Rockarchive, based on a photograph taken by Dave Hogan at Live Aid in 1985
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.
A unique collection of images of Pink Floyd, one of the worlds most successful and influential rock bands.
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968 & considered one of the most innovative & influential rock bands in history.
Blondie is a American rock band founded by Debbie Harry & Chris Stein that pioneered the New York new wave & punk scenes of the 1970s.
Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
Album covers can define a band almost as much as the music itself. Now you can put this great art on your wall as well as your turntable
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
Artist Morgan Howell's paintings of record sleeves have become cult classics. We are delighted to introduce a range of his affordable prints
