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
Blondie was regarded as an underground band in the United States until the release of their 3rd album 'Parallel Lines' in September 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.
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.
Elton John at his rented house in Los Angeles prior to his career-defining sellout concerts at Dodger Stadium.
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'
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Robert Plant & Jimmy Page performing in New York City in 1977, their eleventh & final concert tour of North America by the English rock band
Candid image of Roger Waters at Abbey Road Studios whilst Pink Floyd finished off recording their debut album
Syd Barrett captured in a candid moment at Abbey Road Studios whilst rehearsing for the recording of 'The Piper at the Gates of Dawn'
Pink Floyd are currently getting set for the 'Their Mortal Remains' exhibition at the V&A - Check out our range of images for sale.
AC/DC are an Australian rock band, formed in 1973 by brothers Malcolm and Angus Young. they have dubbed their music simply "rock and roll".
Guns N' Roses is an American hard rock band formed in 1985. Their music is a fusion of punk rock, blues rock, heavy metal & hard rock.
Sir Elton John is an English pianist, singer-songwriter, composer & pop icon who has sold millions of records and won countless awards.
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
Celebrating the work of the late Don Hunstein who documented many of the 20th Century’s most important musicians.
Storm Thorgerson AV40 or 'Alternate Versions 40' comprises of a series of images that are alternate versions of original album art.
Rockarchive Edition 20 are very limited and unique editions of just 20 prints that are exclusive to Rockarchive.
