History of David Hamilton (photographer) in Timeline

David Hamilton (1933-2016) was a British photographer and film director, primarily recognized for his soft-focus photographs of nude or semi-nude young women and girls. His work often featured a dreamlike, hazy aesthetic. Hamilton's photography and films were controversial, sparking intense debate regarding whether they constituted art or pornography, due to the perceived sexualization of underage models. He was also accused of sexual assault. His work was commercially successful, gaining him international recognition, but also attracting criticism and legal scrutiny.

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Full Timeline

1933: Hamilton's Birth

In 1933, David Hamilton was born in London. He later spent time in Dorset as an evacuee during World War II, an experience that influenced his work.

1976: Couttès Explains Hamilton's Success

In 1976, Denise Couttès provided an explanation for David Hamilton's success, noting that his images "express escapism" from the violence and cruelty of the modern world through dreams and nostalgia.

December 1977: Images Gallery Shows Hamilton's Photographs

In December 1977, Images Gallery in Manhattan exhibited David Hamilton's photographs concurrently with the release of Bilitis. Art critic Gene Thornton noted in The New York Times that the photographs mirrored ideals found in past great paintings.

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 Discusses Sensuality and Innocence

In 1995, David Hamilton discussed the contradictions people often make between nudity and purity, sensuality and innocence, grace and spontaneity and how he harmonizes them. He also spoke about composing photographs of flowers, men, landscapes, farm animals, pigeons, and still lifes of fresh fruit.

2003: Soft Focus Style Back in Fashion

Around 2003, Hamilton's soft focus style experienced a resurgence in popularity, appearing in fashion magazines like Vogue and Elle.

2005: Hamilton Experiences Popularity Revival

After 2005, David Hamilton experienced a revival in popularity.

2005: Hamilton's Work Sparks Controversy

In 2005, Chris Warmoll of The Guardian noted that David Hamilton's photographs had long been at the forefront of the 'Is it art or pornography?' debate, due to the nature of his subjects.

2005: Man Convicted for Possessing Images, Including Hamilton's

In 2005, a man in the UK was convicted for possessing 19,000 images of children, including photographs by David Hamilton. Glenn Holland, Hamilton's spokesman, expressed sadness and disappointment.

2006: Hamilton's Collection of Photographs and Short Stories Published

In 2006, David Hamilton's collection of captioned photographs, titled 'David Hamilton', and 'Erotic Tales', a collection of his 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

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

October 2016: Hamilton Accused of Rape on French Talk Show

In October 2016, on the French talk-show 'Salut les Terriens!', David Hamilton was named as the man who allegedly raped RTL presenter Flavie Flament in 1987, when she was 13.

November 2016: David Hamilton's Death

In November 2016, David Hamilton, a British photographer and film director known for his photography of young women and girls, mostly nude, passed away. His images were often at the center of the "Art or pornography?" debate.

November 2016: Anonymous Accounts Published in L'Obs Magazine

In November 2016, L'Obs magazine published anonymous accounts by three former models claiming David Hamilton had sex with them when they were underage, after which Hamilton threatened legal action.

November 2016: Hamilton Found Dead in Paris Apartment

On the evening of November 25, 2016, David Hamilton was found dead in his Paris apartment with a plastic bag over his head and medications nearby. Asphyxiation was identified as the cause of death, and suicide is considered the most likely cause.