Born 1954 in Norwich, Richard Mann studied Graphic Design at Saint Martins and was soon guided in the direction of photography by Dermot Goulding, who became a visionary mentor and galvanizing force during that formative period. On completion of the course in 1976, he went on to a one year Special Photography course at London College of Printing. It was far from special, but he managed to take some studio shots of satirical band 'The Fabulous Poodles' thanks to the Dermot connection.
Commissions from Record Mirror, Sounds and NME soon followed. Richard found his art school education had ended as the Punk movement was gathering pace and a period of high-contrast creativity ensued; mainly black & white photography which included Ian Dury, The Cure, Killing Joke, Joe Strummer and Adam Ant.
Having worked for the music papers, he found himself in demand by record company press offices and creative departments and got involved with singles and album sleeves. He particularly relished the short-lived 2 Tone period, having been immersed in reggae during the '70s. When the 2 Tone movement evaporated, Richard soon became disenchanted with the music industry as things had returned to 'normal' after the Punk shake-up. New Wave became New Romantic, which then became, for him, Same Old, having seen it all a decade earlier with Bowie.
From the start of his commercial career, Richard had always 'supplemented' his music photography with editorial work for Campaign, Design Week and Management Today amongst others. He escaped from Tooting, south London in 2001 and now lives in North Yorkshire. His work remains predominantly in magazines, being mainly editorial portraiture, and his commissions take him all over the UK.
Exclusive David Bowie print specially created by The Postman for Rockarchive, based on a photograph taken by Dave Hogan at Live Aid in 1985
Adam Ant photographed by Jill Furmanovsky during a cover shoot for The Face magazine in February 1981
Contact sheet of The Jam's photo shoot for the cover of their debut album 'In The City'
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Amy Winehouse was an English singer and songwriter known for her deep expressive contralto vocals and her eclectic mix of musical genres.
Led Zeppelin were an English rock band formed in London in 1968 & considered one of the most innovative & influential rock bands in history.
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Here are the very latest prints we have added to our collection. We hope you love them as much as we do.
During his 30 year career Jake Chessum has shot defining images of musicians such as Amy Winehouse, Jay Z, The Beastie Boys & David Bowie.
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
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