Photograph Description

Taken by Duffy during the last of the Five Sessions with David Bowie in 1980.

By 1980 Duffy was winding down his photographic career. His studio was no longer filled with cameras, lights and famous faces of the era. It was replaced with woodworking tools for his new venture – furniture restoration. Without a studio space or an assistant, Duffy turned to his son Chris for a venue to shoot David Bowie, the only person who could persuade him to get back behind the lens. Much like the Lodger shot little over a year before, Bowie had employed Duffy as a photographer in collaboration with artist Edward Bell who he had previously introduced to David. After the shoot, Duffy took his chosen image to Edward Bell to add his contribution.

Fully expecting Bell to paint directly on to his print; in the end, Duffy’s image was almost completely obscured by Bell’s painting. Although David loved the cover, Duffy was deeply hurt that his photograph had been despoiled by Bell. Photo Duffy © Duffy Archive