October 3rd 2024.
Joseph McKenzie, known as the 'father' of modern Scottish photography, is highly regarded as one of the most exceptional post-war photographers to emerge outside of America. Throughout his career, he captured some of the most extensive and acclaimed studies of the evolving landscape of Dundee and the children of the Glasgow Gorbals, drawing inspiration from the works of painter Joan Eardley. He also documented Edinburgh and Dunfermline, fulfilling a request from The Dunfermline Carnegie Trust. In 1974, he opened Scotland's first private photography gallery in his home in Tayport, Fife, which remained open until 1980. Now, a selection of his iconic photographs, including some never-before-seen images, will be showcased in London.
The exhibition, featuring the works of Joseph McKenzie, who passed away in 2015, will be held at the prestigious LAPADA Berkeley Square Fair from 23-27 October. Among the displayed pieces will be several fashion photographs from the 1950s that have never been shown to the public before. Born in the East End of London in 1929, Joseph's passion for photography began at a young age. In 1947, he joined the RAF and became an integral part of the Photographic Corp, serving in Germany as a 'spy in the sky' responsible for capturing Russian movements in Eastern Germany during the early Cold War period. He later studied photography at the London School of Printing before moving to Scotland in 1964 to teach at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee.
In addition to his renowned studies of the Glasgow Gorbals children, the exhibition will also showcase some of Joseph's earlier works, including images of London. These original pieces, captured by Joseph himself, are a testament to his mastery in the darkroom, where he personally printed all of his photographs. These exclusive and never-before-seen works will be available for purchase, making this exhibition a world-first opportunity for photography enthusiasts.
Joseph's son, Frank, who encouraged his father to entrust him with the management of his work in 1984, spoke about the upcoming exhibition. "Alongside the exhibited works, we will also be showcasing some of my father's early images, including his London series," he said. "These are all original prints, meticulously prepared by my father, who was not only a talented photographer but also a master printer. As a special offering for the LAPADA Fair, we will also be launching a limited-edition collection of posthumous Platinum prints, featuring never-before-seen fashion works from St. Martin's in the mid-1950s. These prints, limited to an edition of 5, will be one-of-a-kind and cannot be reproduced. Additionally, we will be releasing a two-box set of 20 retrospective mounted platinum prints, limited to an edition of nine sets and produced upon request."
Joseph McKenzie's work has been acquired by various institutions worldwide, including the V&A in London, as well as many private collections. His photographs continue to captivate audiences with their timeless beauty and historical significance. To discover more about Scottish culture, subscribe to Scottish Field and read the latest issue.
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