Skip to content

Cart

Your cart is empty

Tim Bret-Day

Tim Bret-Day, a renowned photographer in the realms of fashion and advertising, has a career spanning over four decades, filled with original, vibrant, and meticulously detailed work that never fails to surprise.

His dynamic photography, marked by vivid and surreal depictions, garners admiration across the music, fashion, and advertising industries on a global scale, etching iconic images for a multitude of brands and artists.

Influences behind his work range broadly, from renowned surrealists like Max Ernst of the 1930s to the vivid imagery of Hieronymus Bosch's 'The Garden of Earthly Delights', reflecting the wild ideas of the 1500s. Tim's inspiration, however, isn't confined to renowned artworks alone. A simple scene such as an elderly woman wearing a yellow hat on a bus to Acton can spark creative thought. He often stumbles upon forgotten notes of ideas in his pockets, remnants of fleeting moments of inspiration.

Initially aspiring to be a drummer in a band after leaving school unqualified, Tim's journey took a different turn. He started by photographing admired bands such as The Police, Adam and the Ants, The Clash, and The Stones at concerts. This led him to work as an assistant for top fashion photographers of the 1980s, sparking his love for the transient, abstract allure of fashion.

Tim went on to contribute to influential fashion and cultural magazines of that era like The Face, ID, Blitz, Harpers, Elle, and Marie Claire. His innovative work paved the way to crafting campaigns for high-profile brands such as French Connection, Issey Miyake, and Harvey Nichols.

Among his cherished collaborations is with The Sunday Times, resulting in striking portraits of celebrities like David Beckham, Grace Jones, Helena Christensen, Kate Moss, and later, David Bowie. He's also known for creating influential poster advertising campaigns for Agent Provocateur, British Airways, and Virgin Atlantic. Nowadays, Tim values client collaboration on understanding the essence of a subject or a brand before immersing himself into the project.

Presented by JG Contemporary at Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery

Tim Bret-Day: Echoes & Idioms

Pitzhanger Manor & Gallery proudly presents Tim Bret-Day: Echoes & Idioms. Delve into the remarkable career of the Acton-based photographer Tim Bret-Day. This exhibition weaves a tapestry of personal photography and vivid public imagery, offering a rare glimpse into the photographer’s world. Witness iconic portraits of luminaries such as Grace Jones, David Bowie, Kate Moss, Lennox Lewis, Jodie Kidd, Bryan Ferry, and many more, combining artistic skill with the glamour of fashion and advertising.

The exhibition is segmented into two distinct spaces. The first room explores black-and-white portraiture, illuminating the connection between the photographer and his subjects. The second room showcases Tim Bret-Day’s technical brilliance and experimental creativity. Explore pieces commissioned by Harvey Nichols, Issey Miyake, Esquire, Harper’s Bazaar, The Sunday Times, and more.

Echoes & Idioms showcases works from the 1990s to 2010s, highlighting the relationship between personal memories captured in photos and the familiar visuals we see in mass media.

Here you will find the works presented at the exhibition.