© Alfred Wertheimer / Photokunst.com

After the success of the Proud Group’s music venue in Camden, Proud have launched a new gallery in Chelsea, and to introduce it they are hosting a photographic exhibition for one of the most famous cultural figures in history, Elvis Presley.

‘Elvis at 21:From New York to Memphis,’ reveals photojournalist Alfred Wertheimer’s images for the first time in the UK. Previously a struggling freelancer, in 1956 Wertheimer was assigned for a one-day shoot involving a pre-famous 21 year old singer Elvis Presley. Taking advantage of the singer’s naturalism in front of the camera, the day transpired into a trip and Wertheimer managed to capture behind the scenes shots of an unguarded young man who would later on become a legend and which would form the collection ‘New York to Memphis.’

The photographs show Presley before, during and after his performances and are thought to be the most genuine and honest taken of him. Wertheimer was taken aback by how inviting the singer was, allowing him to secure even the most private moments in his works. It was because of this that Wertheimer became compelled to continue photographing the musician well over his initial assignment.

Wertheimer’s year’s worth of photographs, represent the defining moments in Elvis’ career, showing his move from anonymity to his crowning as ‘The King of Rock and Roll,” something no future photographer would have the chance to do again.

From November 18th-January 31st 2010

Proud Chelsea

161 Kings Road SW3

www.proud.co.uk

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 7:40 pm and is filed under General, Lifestyle. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.