Artwork: Duffy

Brian Duffy – or simply Duffy as he became known – was one of the most significant photographers of the 1960s and 1970s. Alongside David Bailey and Terence Donovan, he completed the ‘Black Trinity’ of London photographers who were revolutionising the art form. Together they pushed aside the stuffy conservatism of the 1950s in favour of a more innovative and energetic approach.

From Pirelli calendars to David Bowie’s most iconic record sleeves, Duffy’s portfolio was as diverse as it was provocative, arguably shining brightest at French Elle.

Duffy also won awards for his commercial work – including this advert for a vodka brand in 1978. Sexy and surreal in equal measure.

But in 1979, Duffy took his transparencies and negatives into his garden and set them alight in a ceremonial finale to his career, having felt he had said all he could say through the medium.

Last year, Brian Duffy sadly passed away having fought with a degenerative lung disease. After extensive searches through archives and publications, his son Chris has brought his photography back to life for the world to enjoy once more. ■

The first full retrospective of Duffy is exhibiting at the Idea Generation Gallery until 28 August. ‘Duffy’, the first book devoted to the work of Brian Duffy is available now for £45 01394 389 977; accpublishinggroup.com. Prints are available at culturelabel.com