Fine Art Edition Prints

(48 x 33 cms) - 60 + 5 APs

(60 x 42 cms) - 12 + 1 AP

Claridge is one of the greatest living photographers (his portrait of Chet Baker is one of the great portraits of the 20th century) and these portraits were largely shot in London’s Soho, where he stayed.

Chet Baker was a jazz trumpeter whose life you can read in his face and this stunning image. This is simply the best portrait of the man we have ever seen. Haunting, melancholic. It could have pride of place in the best collection. If you are just beginning to collect photography then here's a piece of work of a legend by a legend.

Spike Milligan, Comedian, Writer, War Veteran. All the superlatives used to describe this mans comic genius have been used. Spike is regularly hailed as the man who paved the way for others to follow. Like Tommy Cooper he began performing during the war.

He became a household name through the radio show The Goon Show which he wrote and performed in alongside Peter Sellers, Harry Secombe, and Michael Bentine. Prince Charles was also a fan.

Spike was a troubled man suffering bouts of depression brought on by what we now know as PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) but was then known as shell shock.

He wrote a series of comic memoirs of his war years as well as other books and poetry and for TV series.

Nico, beautiful, enigmatic, original.  A model,  actress and singer she took the name from her character in Fellini's classic film, La Dolce Vita. No surprise she later caught the attention of Andy Warhol, sang with The Velvet Underground, fell in love with Jim Morrison and carried on making music until her untimely death in a bicycle accident.

Nico used to live in Stockbridge, part of Edinburgh and drank in the local bar a stones throw from Gallery-Close.

Tommy Cooper, comic genius & magician, beautifully captured by legendary photographer John Claridge.

During his national service he served under Monty's Desert Rats in northern Africa. A quite brilliant performer, his signature red Tarboosh, was originally an improvised prop during a performance in Egypt. He had forgotten the Pith Helmet for his routine and so grabbed a Tarboosh from a passing waiter. The rest is history.

Like Milligan he had a sense of the absurd and enjoyed pranks. He'd hand an envelope over as a tip saying, "Have a drink on me". Inside there would be a tea bag.

But as is so often the case, the pressure took its toll. He collapsed and died on stage during a live television broadcast. There is a statue to Tommy Cooper in his birthplace of Caerphilly, Wales.

All prints are archivally printed onto heavyweight cotton rag paper and embossed and signed by the photographer.

Delivery will be applied as extra.