Taylor Swift & the prince: unseen images of famous people in new show

Filmmaker and photographer Phil Griffin has worked with artists around the world, and London’s Brownsword Hepworth Gallery will soon be exhibiting a series of his previously un-shown portraits – taken from 25 years in film and photography.

The aptly titled Unseen Icons brings together intimate portraits that Griffin captured during his career in the entertainment industry. Before turning to photography, the artist was as a dancer and choreographer. Later working as a creative director, he was able to forge close friendships with his sitters, that include members of royal family and the superstars from the entertainment industry.

A good photograph is never taken - but given. My job was to make myself available to capture these moments of stillness from each of my collaborators, so each portrait is a moment of pure truth and self-expression.

Phil Griffin

The famous faces on show at the Chelsea-based gallery include Diana Ross, Amy Winehouse, Taylor Swift, Jon Bon Jovi, Adele, Sir Paul McCartney, HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duke of Cambridge. 

Griffin's photographs erase the preconceptions of these celebrated public figures, and capture them in a more vulnerable and honest light.

Six shots from the show…

Amy Winehouse

Amy Winehouse,  by Paul Griffin, Unseen Icons, Brownsword Hepworth Gallery (Image credit: Phil Griffin)

HRH Prince William by Paul Griffin, Unseen Icons, Brownsword Hepworth Gallery

HRH Prince William by Paul Griffin, Unseen Icons, Brownsword Hepworth Gallery (Image credit: Phil Griffin)

Prince William & Taylor Swift, Kensington Palace 2013,  by Paul Griffin, Unseen Icons, Brownsword Hepworth Gallery

Prince William & Taylor Swift, Kensington Palace 2013,  by Paul Griffin, Unseen Icons, Brownsword Hepworth Gallery

Annie Lennox by Paul Griffin, Unseen Icons, Brownsword Hepworth Gallery

Annie Lennox by Paul Griffin, Unseen Icons, Brownsword Hepworth Gallery

Jamal Edwards

Jamal Edwards,  by Paul Griffin, Unseen Icons, Brownsword Hepworth Gallery (Image credit: Phil Griffin)

Paul McCartney by Paul Griffin, Unseen Icons, Brownsword Hepworth Gallery

Paul McCartney by Paul Griffin, Unseen Icons, Brownsword Hepworth Gallery

Exhibition details

Griffin wants to use his photos to further the conversation about wellbeing in the arts and entertainment industry. The exhibition is just the first step of a wider project aiming to promote this, and a proportion of the proceeds will be donated to support The Princes Trust and Amy Winehouse Foundation programs.

Unseen Icons will be on show at the Brownsword Hepworth Gallery, 15 Walton Street, London SW3 2HX, between 24 October - 23 November 2018.

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Lauren Scott
Managing Editor

Lauren is the Managing Editor of Digital Camera World, having previously served as Editor of Digital Photographer magazine, a practical-focused publication that inspires hobbyists and seasoned pros alike to take truly phenomenal shots and get the best results from their kit. 


An experienced photography journalist who has been covering the industry for over eight years, she has also served as technique editor for both PhotoPlus: The Canon MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine and DCW's sister publication, Digital Camera Magazine


In addition to techniques and tutorials that enable you to achieve great results from your cameras, lenses, tripods and other photography equipment, Lauren can regularly be found interviewing some of the biggest names in the industry, sharing tips and guides on subjects like landscape and wildlife photography, and raising awareness for subjects such as mental health and women in photography.