History of David Hamilton (photographer) in Timeline

David Hamilton (1933-2016) was a British photographer and film director, widely known for his soft-focus photographs of nude or semi-nude adolescent girls. His work sparked significant controversy and ignited debates regarding the line between art and child pornography. While some viewed his images as artistic and evocative, others condemned them as exploitative and harmful. Accusations of sexual assault were made against him later in life, further tarnishing his reputation before his death.

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Full Timeline

April 1933: David Hamilton's Birth

In April 1933, David Hamilton was born. He became known as a British photographer and film director.

1933: Early Life

In 1933, David Hamilton was born and subsequently grew up in London. His early schooling was interrupted by World War II, during which he spent time in Dorset as an evacuee, influencing his future work.

1949: Mona Kristensen's Birth

In June 20, 1949, Mona Kristensen (born as Mona Ǿstergaard) was born. She later befriended Hamilton, modeled in many of his early photobooks and made her screen debut in Bilitis.

1976: Denise Couttès Explained Hamilton's Success

In 1976, Denise Couttès, in 'The Best of David Hamilton', attributed Hamilton's success to his images' escapism, allowing people to escape the modern world's violence and cruelty through dreams and nostalgia.

December 1977: Exhibition at Images Gallery and Release of Bilitis

In December 1977, Images Gallery in Manhattan showcased David Hamilton's photographs concurrently with the release of Bilitis. Art critic Gene Thornton praised the work in The New York Times, and Hamilton described his aim as capturing "the candor of a lost paradise".

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1987: Alleged Rape of Flavie Flament

In 1987, David Hamilton allegedly raped Flavie Flament, who was 13 years old at the time, in Cap d'Agde, Southern France.

1995: Hamilton's Philosophy on Art

In 1995, David Hamilton articulated his artistic philosophy, emphasizing the harmonization of nudity and purity, sensuality and innocence, grace and spontaneity in his work. He aimed to counter the perceived contradictions between these elements.

2003: Revival of Soft Focus Style

Around 2003, David Hamilton's soft focus style experienced a resurgence in popularity within fashion magazines such as Vogue and Elle.

2005: Increased Popularity

After 2005, David Hamilton saw a revival in his popularity.

2005: Debate about David Hamilton's work.

In 2005, Chris Warmoll commented that David Hamilton's photographs had long been at the forefront of the 'Is it art or pornography?' debate.

2005: UK Man Convicted for Possessing Indecent Images

In 2005, a man in the UK was convicted for possessing 19,000 images of children, including some by David Hamilton. These images were rated as having the lowest level of indecency. Hamilton's spokesman expressed sadness and disappointment.

2006: Publication of New Books

In 2006, "David Hamilton, a collection of captioned photographs", and "Erotic Tales" which contains Hamilton's fictional short stories, were published.

2010: Man Convicted for Owning Hamilton's Book

In 2010, a man was convicted of Level 1 child pornography for owning four books, including David Hamilton's "The Age of Innocence", purchased in London.

2011: Conviction Overturned on Appeal

In 2011, the 2010 conviction of a man for owning David Hamilton's "The Age of Innocence" was overturned on appeal, with the judge criticizing the Crown Prosecution Service for the prosecution.

October 2016: Allegations of Rape by Flavie Flament

In October 2016, Flavie Flament publicly named David Hamilton as the man who allegedly raped her in 1987 when she was 13, leading to accusations of him being a predatory paedophile.

November 2016: David Hamilton's Death

In November 2016, David Hamilton died. His work had sparked an "Art or pornography?" debate.

November 2016: Accusations from Former Models

In November 2016, L'Obs magazine published accounts from three former models accusing David Hamilton of having sex with them when they were underage. Hamilton threatened legal action and denied any wrongdoing, stating that he only took a portrait of Flament years prior.