History of David Bailey in Timeline

David Royston Bailey is a highly influential English photographer and director recognized for his significant contributions to fashion photography and portraiture. He played a key role in defining the visual aesthetic of the "Swinging Sixties." Beyond photography, Bailey has also directed television commercials and documentaries, showcasing his diverse artistic talents and impact on visual culture.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements

January 1938: David Bailey Born

On January 1938, David Royston Bailey was born. He later became a renowned English photographer and director known for his fashion photography, portraiture, and contributions to the Swinging Sixties image.

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1956: National Service

In 1956, David Bailey was called up for national service.

1957: Service in the Royal Air Force

In 1957, David Bailey served with the Royal Air Force in Singapore. The appropriation of his trumpet led him to explore photography, and he bought a Rolleiflex camera.

August 1958: Demobilization and Career Pursuit

In August 1958, David Bailey was demobilized and decided to pursue a career in photography. He bought a Canon rangefinder camera and became a second assistant to David Ollins.

1959: Photographic Assistant

In 1959, David Bailey became a photographic assistant at the John French studio, marking an early step in his photography career.

February 1960: Marriage to Rosemary Bramble

In February 1960, David Bailey married Rosemary Bramble, a typist, but they separated nine months later.

May 1960: Photographer for John Cole's Studio Five

In May 1960, David Bailey worked as a photographer for John Cole's Studio Five, expanding his professional experience.

1962: New York Photoshoot with Jean Shrimpton

In 1962, David Bailey had a New York photoshoot with Jean Shrimpton, which later inspired a BBC film.

1962: Commissioned by Vogue

In 1962, David Bailey was officially commissioned by Vogue magazine after working with Jaeger in the late 1950s.

1964: Release of 'Box of Pin-Ups'

In 1964, David Bailey released "Box of Pin-Ups", a collection of poster prints of 1960s celebrities. It was a unique commercial release, reflecting Bailey's rising status. It included celebrities such as The Beatles, Mick Jagger and Jean Shrimpton.

1964: End of Relationship with Jean Shrimpton

In 1964, David Bailey's four-year relationship with Jean Shrimpton ended.

August 1965: Marriage to Catherine Deneuve

On August 18, 1965, David Bailey married Catherine Deneuve after a two-week courtship.

1966: Directed G.G. Passion

In 1966, David Bailey directed the short film G.G. Passion.

1966: Inspiration for 'Blowup'

In 1966, Michelangelo Antonioni directed the film 'Blowup', which was inspired by the life of David Bailey. The film depicts a London fashion photographer.

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1967: Separation from Catherine Deneuve

In 1967, David Bailey separated from Catherine Deneuve, whom he had married in 1965.

1970: Publicity Photos for Cat Stevens

In 1970, David Bailey was hired by Island Records' Chris Blackwell to shoot publicity photos of Cat Stevens for his upcoming album 'Tea for the Tillerman'.

1971: Directed TV Documentary 'Beaton'

In 1971, David Bailey directed and produced the TV documentary 'Beaton' on Cecil Beaton.

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1972: Directed TV Documentary 'Visconti'

In 1972, David Bailey directed and produced the TV documentary 'Visconti' on Luchino Visconti.

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1972: Divorce from Catherine Deneuve

In 1972, David Bailey officially divorced Catherine Deneuve.

1972: Photographed Alice Cooper for Vogue

In 1972, David Bailey photographed rock singer Alice Cooper for Vogue magazine. Cooper was almost naked apart from a snake.

1973: Directed TV Documentary 'Warhol'

In 1973, David Bailey directed and produced the TV documentary 'Warhol' on Andy Warhol.

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November 1975: Marriage to Marie Helvin

In November 1975, David Bailey married model-turned-writer Marie Helvin.

1976: Published Ritz Newspaper

In 1976, David Bailey published Ritz Newspaper together with David Litchfield.

1985: Divorce from Marie Helvin

In 1985, David Bailey and Marie Helvin amicably divorced.

1985: Photographing Stars at Live Aid

In 1985, David Bailey photographed stars at the Live Aid concert at Wembley Stadium, where he had an unexpected encounter with Freddie Mercury.

1986: Marriage to Catherine Dyer

Since 1986, David Bailey has been married to former model Catherine Dyer, with whom he has three children.

1992: Directed 'Who Dealt?'

In 1992, David Bailey directed the BBC drama 'Who Dealt?' starring Juliet Stevenson, based on a story by Ring Lardner.

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1995: Directed 'The Lady is a Tramp'

In 1995, David Bailey directed and wrote the South Bank Film 'The Lady is a Tramp' featuring his wife Catherine Bailey.

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1998: Directed 'Models Close Up'

In 1998, David Bailey directed a documentary with Ginger Television Production, 'Models Close Up', commissioned by Channel 4 Television.

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2003: GQ Magazine's Most Stylish Male

In 2003, Martin Gardner, who was on the AW15 campaign shoot, was GQ magazine's most stylish male.

2010: Sculptures shown in London

In 2010, some of David Bailey's sculptures were shown in London, showcasing his diverse artistic talents.

October 2011: Paintings and Mixed Media Works Shown

In October 2011, David Bailey's paintings and mixed media works were shown, further displaying his artistic versatility.

2012: BBC Film 'We'll Take Manhattan'

In 2012, the BBC made a film called 'We'll Take Manhattan' about David Bailey's 1962 New York photoshoot with Jean Shrimpton, starring Aneurin Barnard as Bailey.

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October 2013: Art Wars at the Saatchi Gallery

In October 2013, David Bailey participated in Art Wars at the Saatchi Gallery, curated by Ben Moore. He transformed a stormtrooper helmet into a work of art to raise money for the Missing Tom Fund.

2018: Diagnosis of Vascular Dementia

In 2018, David Bailey was diagnosed with vascular dementia.

October 2020: Publication of Memoir 'Look Again'

In October 2020, David Bailey's memoir 'Look Again', in co-operation with author James Fox, was published by Macmillan Books. It is a review of his life and work.